Province sells off first 3 liquor stores in Sask. as part of privatization process

Private liquor companies are finalizing their purchases of three Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority buildings in the province.

They are the first of 40 liquor storesthat will make the switch from public to private ownership.

• How much more you'll spend on alcohol, cigarettes in Sask.

The Liquor and Gaming Authority was approved to sell the Saskatchewan Liquor Board locations in Kelvington, Rosetown and Wynyard for a total of $584,350.

The liquor store in Kelvington, Sask., was sold to Silver Fox Liquor Store Ltd. for $25,150.

Pich&PichHoldings Inc. has purchased both theRosetownproperty($379,600)and the store in Wynyard ($179,600).

The Saskatchewan government first released the list of store locations and owners involved in the overhaul of its liquor system in the fall of 2016.

The plan to convert about halfof the government-owned liquor stores to private liquor stores was announced in 2015, before the latest provincial election in April.

Another 11 new private liquor stores have also been approved.