Announced in 2015, the new liquor retail model began allowing retail permits to private businesses. Now, the promised population-based allocation system will take effect in the next few weeks, after some regulatory amendments.
The minimum population requirement is 500 residents, to operate one liquor store. The maximum allowed is 40 liquor stores in a population of 275,000.
Under this policy, some cities in the province will be eligible for additional retail permits, like Melfort, Weyburn, Estevan, and Martensville.
Moose Jaw will not be allowed any new permits without a population increase, along with Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Yorkton.
Those interested in obtaining a new retail liquor permit in an eligible community have to express interest, which will then trigger an online auction for the available permit.
The goal of the new program is meant to balance the number of public and private liquor stores in a community, ensuring people have access to products but still limiting the number of stores to a reasonable ratio.
Currently, there are around 700 liquor retailers within the province, including public and private stores, off-sales, and breweries; 75 of which are government retail stores. Around 450 are considered off-sale outlets.
