REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is celebrating the Saskatchewan government announcement today that will open up province’s liquor market to additional opportunities for businesses and consumers, while reducing risk for taxpayers.

“The government is freeing local businesses to provide the best possible price, service and selection for customers,” said Todd MacKay, Prairie Director for the CTF. “This is a landmark victory for the CTF after decades of work on liquor regulations. But most importantly, this is great news for consumers who will be able to shop around for the liquor store that serves them best.”

Under the current system there are different rules for off-sales, rural liquor stores, the new private stores and government stores. These different structures enforce unfair pricing disadvantages and even impose rules that force some retailers to sell warm beer.

The proposed policy provides a level playing field by implementing a single liquor licencing structure. All liquor retailers, including government stores, will pay the same wholesale prices when purchasing their stock. Unfair rules such as different restrictions on hours and selection will be removed. The proposed policy is to be implemented after the next provincial election in the spring. In addition, 40 under-performing government stores will be sold.

“This means that every hotel off-sale and rural liquor franchise will be able to offer the same service, selection and prices that Saskatchewanians are finding in the new private liquor stores,” said MacKay. “Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Minister Don McMorris has delivered a thoughtful and progressive policy that’s the biggest step forward in liquor regulations since the end of Prohibition.”

In September, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation organized a coalition of groups including the Saskatchewan Hotels and Hospitality Association and Restaurants Canada to jointly launch a campaign calling for fairness in pricing, selection and regulation for liquor retailing.

“With the government allowing business owners to meet new demand, taxpayers will no longer be assuming the risk that some bureaucrat knows how best to sell beer,” concluded MacKay.