Our provincial government has introduced legislation, which would extend the ability to sell liquor with takeout and delivery food orders. Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says, if approved, this would also make it easier for service models such as wine bars, and seasonal and pop-up businesses to obtain licenses.
"The existing framework for service licenses, such as those for restaurants and bars, is complex and has many requirements unrelated to the safe and responsible service of liquor," says Goertzen. "These amendments will allow us to reduce the number of license categories and remove barriers to entry. Currently licensed businesses will all remain licensed in a new framework, but more flexibility will expand eligibility for new service models, such as wine bars, seasonal or pop-up businesses, and local bars that don’t have to make costly investments in commercial kitchens or entertainment."
According to Goertzen, our province's regulatory framework for liquor has actually remained largely unchanged since the lifting of prohibition. He notes this complicated framework creates challenges for the hospitality industry in meeting the evolving preferences of modern consumers.
Scott McTaggart is the Manitoba director for Restaurants Canada. He says levelling the playing field creates a tremendous opportunity for the food service industry to recover and grow.
"Restaurants Canada applauds the government for modernizing the licensing framework focusing on the safe service of alcohol and creating a market where the entrepreneurial spirit can thrive," he adds.
Goertzen says Bill 38 builds on previous legislative reform introduced to allow all liquor service licensees to sell liquor with takeout and delivery food orders, a service option that has been available to dining room licensees since 2020. He notes this change, supported by industry and driven by changing consumer demand, became especially significant as the COVID-19 pandemic changed how Manitoba's hospitality industry operates.