By Nigel Maxwell

Proposed liquor store in P.A. receives thumbs up from Chamber

Dec 16, 2015 | 11:02 AM

The Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce is making a case for why Prince Albert should have a privately run liquor store.

“It will potentially create some jobs, there’s some potential infrastructure development and there will likely be taxes so it will improve the tax base in the city,” said CEO Larry Fladager.

The Chamber is responding to the Saskatchewan Party’s proposed shake-up of how alcohol is sold in the province. The plan would include twelve new private stores, including possibly one in Prince Albert.

The government feels Prince Albert is currently being under served in its liquor retail based on population and economic growth.

Prince Albert City Council has already said they’d be against another liquor store based on social concerns.

SIGA

SIGA and Northern Lights Casino main sponsors of the 31st PAGC Fine Arts Festival

9h ago

Workplace incident

City of Prince Albert pleads guilty to workplace safety violation, handed fines

11h ago

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

Apr 24, 2024

“We recognize, of course, the social issues, but as a business opportunity and as an advocate for business we support the investment in new business,” said Fladager.

The Chamber’s position is right in line with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, which also supports an expanded private retail system for liquor sales across the province.

Fladager said the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce simply wants to offer residents a different perspective on the opportunity.

“Other communities in Saskatchewan where they have been afforded the opportunity for a private liquor retailer, have been very successful and we hope to see that success in this community,” he said

There is still no guarantee that a private liquor store would open in Prince Albert.

It will all depend on what happens in the spring provincial election. 

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell