Saskatchewan government selects private liquor retailers to operate 50 stores

The Saskatchewan government has chosen the retailers that will operate 50 private liquor stores in the province.

They range from large companies such as Sobeys to independent businesses to some stores that will be run by people who now work at government liquor stores.

Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, says in some smaller rural communities people will be able to buy liquor and their groceries in the same store.

But the authority says retailers must operate separate liquor stores in communities with a population of 5,000 or more.

Locations in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Melville, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw and Kindersley must be opened within 18 months.

The remaining communities have up to 12 months to begin operating.

"There is a lot of anticipation and eagerness from both applicants as well as the communities where these businesses operate,'' he said Wednesday in a release.

The outlets include 39 SGLA stores that are going private and 11 new retail stores.