LIQUOR REGULATORY REVIEW COMPLETED

Liquor-permitted establishments that serve minors or over-serve patrons will soon face tougher penalties.

Amendments to the current penalty structure, as well as various other changes, are being made as a result of a review of Saskatchewan's liquor regulatory framework. Strengthening sanctions relating to responsible beverage alcohol service is also consistent with recommendations made by the Minister of Healthy Living Graham Addley in his 2005 report on substance abuse.

"In conducting the review, SLGA balanced the concerns of private business with the need to ensure that the sale of beverage alcohol continues in a socially responsible manner," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) Deb Higgins said. "This resulted in some changes to current rules and regulations, while others remain unchanged."

The review examined numerous issues relating to the service and consumption of beverage alcohol in Saskatchewan and included stakeholder and public consultations as well as interjurisdictional comparisons.

SLGA will also work with liquor-permitted establishments to develop a phased-in mandatory server intervention training program for all managers, servers, doorpersons and other employees involved in the sale or service of beverage alcohol. Liquor-permitted restaurants will also soon be required to offer a wine re-corking service to patrons, to discourage diners from over-consuming simply because a purchase has been made.

Changes resulting from the review will take effect as the required regulatory and legislative amendments are made.

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For more information, contact:

David Morris
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721