Saskatchewan premier looks at private booze sales

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says all aspects of the liquor business are on the table as his party decides what changes to propose.

But Wall–who was in Saskatoon on Monday for the opening of a Co-Op private liquor store–says the government will stay as the sole wholesaler of liquor in the province.

Currently, the government operates several liquor stores across the province directly and allows private franchisees to sell in smaller rural centres.

There is also a network of private off-sales, but all liquor outlets, public or private, are still required to buy their inventory from the province.

Wall said he has asked MLAs to talk to people over the summer about how they'd like to see liquor sales handled.

Wall first made the call for public input last week, but so far, he says there has been little response.

``I'm not sure people in Saskatchewan haven't sort of ... moved on,'' he said.

But Wall said people have strong opinions on some aspects.

``They want to see retailing that's socially responsible, certainly. They want to see selection. They want to see convenience in terms of hours. And I'm not sure there's a big concern about whether that's the government properly doing it or someone else,'' he said.

Wall said that voter feedback would form part of a potential plank in the Saskatchewan Party's next election.

The Co-Op liquor store is one of four new private liquor stores permitted by the province. Sobey's is opening one each in Saskatoon and Regina and Willow Park Wines and Spirits is behind the final one, also located in Regina.