Law allowing homemade beer, wine to be served at special occasions takes effect

Starting Tuesday, people hosting weddings, family gatherings and other events that require a special occasion permit in Saskatchewan can legally serve homemade wine and beer to their guests.

“This is going to be a really good change for us,” said Brennan Bonnet, part owner of Wine Kitz Saskatoon.

“A few times every year we end up having some people come in saying they’re having a wedding and would like to make a bunch of wine for the weeding, but we have to send them away because, unfortunately, it is against the rules.”

Because it’s a lot cheaper to make your own wine and beer at home using a kit, Bonnet said he thinks the change will help people save some money, especially when it comes to those who are hosting weddings.

“It will be nice to tell people they’re able to do that, especially at a time when everything is becoming a lot more expensive for Canadians,” Bonnet said. “One of the most important – and sometimes pricey – days of your life is your wedding day, and it’s nice to be able to save a little bit on the liquor tab.”

Bonnet suggested if you were to buy bottles of wine for each table at a wedding, a typical purchase would set you back around $10 per bottle. If you were to looking to make your own wine instead, Bonnet said you’d only be paying around $4 per bottle.

Bonnet said it usually takes four to eight weeks to to create your own wine.

The change was passed by the provincial government last April, and came into effect on Tuesday.

The legislation also included measures allowing municipalities to create their own bylaws surrounding public consumption of liquor in parks. It also simplified the recorking provisions for permittees and changed the rules to no longer require applicants to publish their intention to obtain a liquor permit in local newspapers.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority said events will still require a special occasion permit, and event organizers cannot charge guests for homemade wine or beer.