SLGA employees among those opening private liquor stores in Sask.

It has been revealed who will run the 50 new private liquor stores in Saskatchewan.

The list of successful bidders include private businesses, out of province groups, and national retailers. Six stores are being bought by current Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) store employees.

The employee group include employees from stores in Lanigan, Leader, Lloydminister, Preeceville, Rosthern and St. Walberg.

Laura Bryksa, a liquor board employee for 20 years, successfully bid on the Lanigan store. 
 
While she called the process overwhelming, Bryksa is excited for what lies ahead.
 
“Nervous and excited at the same time but overall great and I am ready to move forward with this new adventure,” Bryksa said.
 
Bryksa is still undecided about a new name or whether she will remain in the same location.

Sobeys is raising a glass as it won nine of the contracts on offer. The grocery chain already runs liquor stores in Saskatoon and Regina.

A new addition in Regina will be owned by what SLGA describe as “a B.C.-based liquor retailer working with Saskatchewan partners”.

In Rosetown, the store will be owned by Yellowknife, N.W.T. businesses owners with ties to Saskatchewan.

Across the province, 14 of the new stores will be run by co-operatives.

In total, 39 liquor stores are being privatized and 11 will be brand new stores

The opening dates will vary but the stores in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Melville, Lloydminster, Moose Jaw and Kindersley must open with 18 months. All other locations must open by Nov. 23, 2017.

SLGA has provided the names of the new store owners.