YORKTON - Homemade beer and wine are now able to be served at family events that hold a special occasion permit in Saskatchewan.
Beginning April 2, individuals holding a special occasion permit can serve beer and wine they made at home or at a licensed U-Brew/U-Vin facility at their family event.
"These changes provide additional options for people hosting a wedding, reunion or other family event, while also enhancing business opportunities for U-Brew and U-Vin facilities where customers manufacture their own products," Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Dustin Duncan said in a government release. "Government will continue to reduce unnecessary liquor regulations when possible while balancing the need to ensure alcohol is served and consumed responsibly."
The news is positive said Aaron Kienle owner of Let’s Make Wine in Yorkton.
“Man, oh, man, we have been waiting years for this,” he told Yorkton This Week.
Kienle also noted the change is one he sees as long overdue.
“I believe it was 10 years ago when B.C. made this change,” he said. “It has held our business and this small industry back within Saskatchewan.”
There has certainly been interest from people wanting to serve wine they have made at special occasions.
“We’ve owned Let’s Make Wine for the past eight years and it’s been a part of the community for over 20 years in total. We’ve always had requests for our wine to be served at weddings and it’s been unfortunate to turn those customers away,” said Kienle.
And it’s good for people too.
“Wine made at home or made by us in-store can save you between 50-70 per cent of the cost when compared to equivalent product from a liquor store,” noted Kienle.
Events still require a special occasion permit from SLGA, and event organizers cannot charge guests for homemade wine or beer.
