(submitted photo/Zachary Collier)

By CKOM News Staff

Saskatchewan reintroduces amendments to liquor legislation

Dec 5, 2022 | 3:48 PM

The Saskatchewan government is trying again to let municipalities decide for themselves whether people can crack a beer in the park.

On Monday, the government introduced legislation to amend the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act. The Saskatchewan Party initially introduced the legislation in May, but the bill died on the order paper on the last day of session.

“Reducing red tape in Saskatchewan’s liquor laws increases flexibility for the public and creates new opportunities for communities and business, while remaining committed to ensuring the socially responsible sale and service of beverage alcohol,” Lori Carr, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, said in a media release.

One of the proposed changes will give municipalities and park authorities the power to allow people of legal drinking age to consume alcohol in designated outdoor public places like parks.

According to the government, the legislation also would:

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• Simplify the recorking provisions for permittees;
• Allow homemade beer, wine and cider to be served at family events that are permitted with a special occasion permit; and,
• No longer require applicants to publish their intentions to obtain a liquor permit in local newspapers.

When the legislation was proposed in May, the NDP said it wouldn’t support the changes without proper consultation. On Monday, the government said stakeholders had been consulted before the bill was reintroduced.

The government said it expects the bill to pass in the spring.