We already have them in our smaller towns. It's not a new concept. There are off sale outlets at a large number of Saskatchewan bars, so is it really that big of deal if we open a couple of private outlets in Regina and Saskatoon? This does not by any means spell out the demise of one of our prized crown corporations.
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) has announced it is adding three private liquor stores to the province's retail liquor system. The new stores - two in Saskatoon and one in Regina - will offer customers a full line of wines, spirits and beer products.
"The province's population has grown by 80,000 people during the past five years which has meant more customers at our liquor stores," says Minister responsible for SLGA Donna Harpaue. "SLGA has been doing a good job managing the increased volumes but we know that there are neighbourhoods that are still underserved. These new stores will serve customers and create new business opportunities without significant change to the province's current retail system."
The stores will be chosen through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process conducted by a third party. Proposals will be evaluated on factors including store location, retail shopping environment and overall service for customers. The RFP will be released in November with final decisions expected by early spring.
Saskatchewan's liquor retail system already includes a mix of public and private operators. There are currently 79 public liquor stores, 185 private businesses that operate as rural liquor franchises, one private wine store and approximately 440 private off-sale outlets located throughout the province.
A couple more privately owned businesses is not going to change the province as we know it, of that we can be sure.
