City approves Juno ask for licensed businesses to extend serving hours

If you’re going to be out on the town during Juno week in Saskatoon, you’ll likely have more time to celebrate.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark and his council gave unanimous approval to write a letter to Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming (SLGA), along with the Juno committee Monday night, saying the change is approved from their end.

The change would mean Saskatoon’s licensed businesses can serve alcohol until 3 a.m., rather than the legal hour of 2 a.m. The temporary change would mean licensed businesses can stay open until 4 a.m.

The city administration also said the Juno chair said these changes were approved in Saskatchewan the last two times the province has hosted the festival.

“The applicant notes that the request for extending serving hours has been approved for past Canadian JUNO awards host cities, including Saskatoon in 2007, and Regina in 2013,” City Clerk Joanne Sproule read in chambers Monday.

Sproule added that businesses do have the option to close at their regular times. Additionally, the ask for serving extensions are at the “complete discretion of the SLGA.”

The host JUNO committee wanted to know the stance of the city and affected police forces if the change is approved.

The request is only for March 13 to 15, 2020.