Auctions of SLGA liquor permits generate more than $45 million

The Saskatchewan government cashed in with the recent auctions of liquor permits.

The provincial government announced Monday that final bids for the permits totalled $45,077,800. The permits were associated with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) retail stores across the province that are being closed.

To date, 27 of the SLGA-run liquor stores have shut their doors. The remaining seven are to close at the end of business March 11.

“We are pleased to see these auctions come to a successful conclusion,” Lori Carr, the minister responsible for SLGA, said in a media release. “The incredible amount of interest means that we will have additional revenue to put toward the high-quality public services we all enjoy.”

There were 35 permits auctioned online by McDougall Auctions, with the final auctions closing Friday. The winning bids ranged from $450,000 for the permit in Carlyle to $3.27 million for the one in La Ronge.

Those who won the auctions now must apply for the retail store permit after meeting all SLGA licensing requirements.

“The timelines for issuance of permits will vary, depending how soon prospective retailers submit and meet all application requirements, secure locations, hire staff and make other preparations to open for business,” the government said in a release.

“Successful bidders have 18 months to obtain their permit and open their business. Bid amounts must be fully paid before a permit is issued.”