The application process is underway for more than 50 liquor store permits across the province.
Bienfait and Stoughton were among 20 communities included in the fourth and final permit application phase, announced on Aug. 3. The other communities were Broadview, Canora, Davidson, Emerald Park/White City, Foam Lake, Gravelbourg, Gull Lake, Indian Head, Kamsack, Kipling, Lanigan, Leader, Maple Creek, Pilot Butte, Raymore, Shaunavon, Watson and Wynyard.
Successful proponents will be selected through a request for proposal (RFP) process. 聽There is one opportunity available in each of the 20 communities.
鈥淭his is the fourth and final round of RFPs to be released as we transition to an expanded private liquor retail system in the province,鈥� Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Don McMorris said after the request for proposals in Bienfait, Stoughton and other communities. 聽
鈥淎s with the third round, successful proponents for these locations will have the option to operate an integrated or standalone retail operation.鈥�
In November 2015, the provinci9al government announced changes that will see an expanded private liquor retail system in Saskatchewan. This includes the conversion of 40 existing government liquor stores to private opportunities, including Stoughton, as well as the addition of 11 new retail opportunities, including Bienfait.聽
Conversion of the Melfort liquor store will take place in 2019 when its current lease expires.
The RFP documents outline details relating to criteria, process, timelines and other relevant information pertaining to obtaining a retail store permit and can be found on the Sask. Tenders website.聽
The successful proponents must also meet the standard terms required to obtain a commercial liquor permit.
The deadline to apply for any of these 20 opportunities is Sept. 13.
The process started last month when the government sought permits for three stores in Regina and two in Saskatoon. The deadline for those communities is Aug. 8.
The next five communities were Kindersley, Lloydminster, Melville, Moose Jaw and Yorkton, which have a deadline of Aug. 30.
The government then sought permits for Aberdeen, Battleford, Carrot River, Dalmeny, Hague, Hudson Bay, Kelvington, Osler, Outlook, Preeceville, Rosetown, Rosthern, Shellbrook, St. Walburg, Tisdale, Unity, Wadena, Wakaw, Waskesiu and Wilkie. The deadline for those communities is Sept. 6.
