This marks the second request from Lakeside Spirits to extend liquor sale hours this year. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

alcohol restrictions

Lakeside Spirits requests liquor sale hours extension for New Year’s Eve

Dec 12, 2023 | 5:30 PM

Although New Year’s Eve lands on a Sunday this year, meaning liquor retail hours in La Ronge would be set at 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., that could change if a request to town council is approved at a regular meeting this evening.

Lakeside Spirits is requesting for town council to amend the Sale, Distribution, and Consumption of Beverage Alcohol and Cannabis Bylaw to allow for liquor store hours on Dec. 31 to begin at 11 a.m. and end at 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2024.

Documents prepared for council ahead of this evening’s meeting states the bylaw’s primary focus is to restrict hours of operation for various commercial operations involving cannabis and liquor beyond the provisions of provincial legislation.

It noted Lakeside Spirits requested changes to the hours of operation in February with the municipality conducting a survey and hearing from concerned delegations regarding the matter. The proposed amendment, which didn’t pass, would have changed from the current hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays and statutory holidays, to 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days per week.

New Year’s Eve happens to land on a Sunday in 2023, reducing liquor store hours on a day known for parties, get-togethers and other festivities.

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“The [new] proposed amendment is aligned with Liquor Permitted Restaurants, lounges, taverns and special use facilities, which are permitted to be open different hours on these specified dates,” the document adds. “However, council could alter the times in the bylaw amendment to hours of their choosing.”

As this evening’s meeting is the only one scheduled for December, council would need to approve the bylaw amendment in all three readings during the same night, which will require unanimous consent. If unanimous consent is not received, a special meeting will need to be held prior to New Year’s Eve to consider a third reading.

larongeNOW has reached out the Lakeside Spirits in regards to their request to La Ronge council.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com