Sask. government approves 3 private liquor stores

The Saskatchewan government has given its permission for three new, privately-owned liquor stores, where people will be able to buy wine, hard liquor and beer.

Two will be in Saskatoon, one in Regina, Donna Harpauer, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, announced Monday.

The stores will be able to offer the same range of products that are currently sold at government-run liquor stores.

The province says the new outlets are being added to serve the province's growing population.

During the 2007 provincial election, the Saskatchewan Party said it would not privatize government-owned liquor stores.

However, in recent weeks, Premier Brad Wall told reporters new stores could be privately owned.