Nine Saskatchewan communities with populations greater than 1,000 will now be eligible for a liquor franchise, the provincial government announced Thursday.
Prior to the change, businesses interested in operating a liquor franchise had to be located at least 20 kilometres from the nearest provincial liquor store.
“As Saskatchewan continues to grow and populations increase, we want to ensure that services provided are consistent with people’s expectations,” Donna Harpauer, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said in a news release.
“These changes will help ensure that customer needs are met.”
The nine communities that are now eligible for a liquor franchise are White City, Emerald Park, Pilot Butte, Caronport, Bienfait, Dalmeny, Osler, Hague and Waldheim
“As our community continues to grow, it’s important that our residents have access to a full line of businesses and services, including a retail liquor outlet," White City Mayor Bruce Evans said in the release.
There are about 185 liquor franchises currently operating in Saskatchewan.
Four private liquor stores – two in Regina and another two in Saskatoon – are slated to open next year.
Earlier this year, the government made legislative changes to allow for the private stores, saying they were needed to meet demand in growing urban areas.
