Saskatchewan to unveil plans to expand private liquor

The Saskatchewan government is about to announce an expanded private system of liquor retailing.

Liquor and Gaming Authority Minister Don McMorris will unveil the government's plans Wednesday morning, the government said.

There's no word yet on what kind of expanded private system the province is looking at.

The provincial government owns 75 liquor stores, but there are also private rural franchises, off-sale outlets at hotels, and a small number of private stores in Regina and Saskatoon.

The government has been looking at more private liquor sales for more than a year.

Everything from the status quo to Alberta-style privatization of government-owned stores is on the table.

However, Premier Brad Wall has previously said any proposed sell-off of SLGA stores would be taken to voters in the next election, which is set for April.