REGINA — The Saskatchewan government has directed the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to expand its U.S. liquor-purchase ban to include several U.S. branded liquor products, even though they’re made in Canada. The following notice was sent by SLGA regarding the change:
“Government has directed SLGA to further reduce the availability of American-branded products in the province’s liquor distribution system. Effective immediately, additional American brands will no longer be available to order from SLGA’s Distribution Centre and private distributors. This will continue until further notice. Similar to the initial products suspended for sale earlier this month, it’s up to retailers to decide whether to sell through existing inventory or pause sales. SLGA product catalogs will be updated immediately to reflect this change. Private distributors have also been asked to update their ordering systems.”
Restaurants Canada reached out to SLGA and the Minister’s office asking for the rationale for the change and asking them to re-consider, as banning U.S.-branded liquor products that are produced in Canada only hurts Canadian workers while limiting liquor-sales options. SLGA confirmed that licensees will be able to sell through their inventory of the expanded list of affected U.S. brands. Click here for a list of affected brands.
Restaurants Canada, along with its Beer Canada colleagues, are urgently advocating for the Saskatchewan government to reverse its decision.
