A total of 77 changes to liquor regulations were made by the provincial government in an effort to make regulations better for businesses and for individuals in certain circumstances, said Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan, who noted the changes ar
A total of 77 changes to liquor regulations were made by the provincial government in an effort to make regulations better for businesses and for individuals in certain circumstances, said Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan, who noted the changes are a result of a red tape review.
"We have a very complicated liquor system in Saskatchewan; they've been added on top of each other for years," he said, noting a committee was struck to carry out a review of regulations in 2010.
As some of the regulation changes were made under the heading of "new business opportunities", the MLA was asked if this might mean more private liquor outlets as opposed to government liquor board stores.
"In growing communities that have new subdivisions it may be next in line for a liquor outlet. We're not doing away with the branches we have, but the government will not be building any new ones in those areas," said MLA Duncan, explaining they'll allow private wine and liquor stores to service new subdivision areas.
"Rather than the government investing in bricks and mortar, the minister has determined we have other priorities. We'll have someone else do that, so the service is still provided," said Duncan.
On the question of lowering the drinking age, Duncan noted it was "a very close vote" at the Sask. Party convention where the issue was raised, but there isn't quite the level of interest needed to make the change and lower the age from 19 to 18.
He added that he feels the decision not to pursue this will be supported by most Saskatchewan residents. "I think that's a value thing and there was a very good discussion by party members."
Most of the changes, said Duncan, "provides more opportunities and more flexibility for businesses."
One of the proposed changes is that movie theatres will be allowed to sell and serve alcohol in age-restricted areas of the theatre; a catch to this regulation is that currently the province does not have any age-restricted theatres in operation, which is a pre-condition for this regulation.
In relation to tourism, some of the changes will allow for alcohol to be offered as part of an overall package, such as for a fly-in fishing cabin or a weekend at a spa resort.
Some of the changes increases the accountability of a business owner while also making it easier for them, noted the MLA.
For example, under old legislation, when a patron was intoxicated and cut off, they had to leave the premises right away; now, with the recent changes, the intoxicated person can remain on the premises long enough for safe transportation to be arranged.
Also, business owners will now have more legal responsibility to ensure there is no illegal activity taking place on their premises, such as drug use or illegal gambling.
Another change increases the amount of liquor or wine that can be brought back to the province from elsewhere in Canada; the new limits are four 750-ml bottles of spirits; 12 750-ml bottles of wine; and six dozen beer or coolers, or a combination of them.
