The Saskatchewan government has revealed where 50 new private liquor stores will be located across the province.
The locations include 39 government-owned liquor stores that are being privatized, and 11 new private retailers. The opening dates for the new stores will vary, depending on the construction required.
“The successful proponents range from independent businesses and entrepreneurs to larger established chains as well as six locations that will be owned and operated by affected government liquor store employees,” Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said in a news release Wednesday.
“Overall, we received more proposals than originally anticipated so we’re very happy with the response.”
The government issued a request for proposals in July. According to the terms of the process, new stores in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Melville, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw and Kindersley must be opened within 18 months. Locations in all other communities must open within 12 months.
The province says government-owned liquor stores that are being converted to private retailers will continue to operate until the new locations are open for business.
Successful proponents must complete the regulatory part of the application process in order to receive their retail store permit and begin operating.
“This process to select successful proponents has been a major undertaking,” Harrison said. “There’s a lot of anticipation and eagerness from both applicants as well as the communities where these businesses will operate.”
