The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is converting four of its liquor stores to rural franchises.
The stores are located in Langenburg, Ituna, Ponteix and Kerrobert.
"Three of these stores have high operating costs and the Kerrobert store building is 94 years old and quickly nearing the end of its useful life," Minister responsible for SLGA Donna Harpauer said. "Converting these locations to rural franchises, rather than closure, will ensure these communities continue to have access to a full line of alcohol products at SLGA prices."
Rural franchises are businesses that also sell alcohol on behalf of SLGA, at SLGA prices. There are approximately 190 rural franchises operating in Saskatchewan in places like grocery stores, insurance agencies, convenience stores, pharmacies and other businesses.
Four full time and eight part-time SLGA employees (6.6 FTEs) will be affected by the conversions. They will have options outlined under their collective agreement, which may include bumping rights to other SLGA liquor stores.
The franchise opportunities for these four locations will be advertised in newspapers beginning next week. Interested businesses will have until May 8 to apply. Applicants will be evaluated on factors such as business experience, financial viability, location, hours of operation and type of business.
"We hope to have these new franchises in place and operating sometime this summer," Harpauer said. "SLGA's stores will continue to serve these communities in the interim."
