After an unexpected delay, the operator of a private liquor store has been selected in Carrot River.
The Carrot River Co-op was the successful bidder, beating out three other applications.
“We’re really, really pleased,” said Ward Kewley, the co-op’s general manager. “This is a great addition to our diversified retail. I think we realize that we have to continue with our diversification in order to survive. There’s lots of big box stores out there that really don’t care if a store in Carrot River survives.”
Originally, the Carrot River Inn was selected to operate the liquor store when the province announced the privatized liquor operators Nov. 23. That licence was revoked when it was found that Fred Bradshaw, MLA for Carrot River Valley, owned 1.4 per cent of the inn – $20,000 worth of shares. Bradshaw had failed to inform the conflict of interest commissioner immediately as soon as he found out the inn could have made a bid.
“We’re going to be adding the liquor portion to our home and leisure store at the 1013 Main location,” Kewley said.
The location won’t require too many renovations to prepare for liquor sales, though some changes to the interior decor, seven large cooling units and new shelving will be required. Kewley said the co-op is aiming to have the store open by May 1.
