The provincial government has wrapped up the sale of remaining SLGA liquor sales permits to the tune of over $45 million in profit. Sales for the final group of 6 outlets concluded on February 24. Bids for the permits totalled $45,077,800.

"We are pleased to see these auctions come to a successful conclusion," Minister Responsible for SLGA Lori Carr said. "The incredible amount of interest means that we will have additional revenue to put toward the high-quality public services we all enjoy."

The auctions were held online through McDougall Auctions from February 6 to the closing date of February 24.  Final bids for the permits ranged from $450,000 (Carlyle) to $3,270,000 (La Ronge). The bid for the Humboldt SLGA permit topped out at $720,000, while Watrous netted $724,500. 

Winning bidders will now begin the application process for the retail store permit. Prospective retailers must meet all SLGA licensing requirements to hold a permit. The timelines for issuance of permits will vary, depending on how soon prospective retailers submit and meet all application requirements, secure locations, hire staff and make other preparations to open for business. Successful bidders have 18 months to obtain their permit and open their business. Bid amounts must be fully paid before a permit is issued. The proposed Humboldt Co-op retail liquor store had secured a permit prior to the SLGA auction. 

Twenty-seven of SLGA Retail Inc.'s liquor stores have now closed. The final seven will close at the end of business March 11. Humboldt’s SLGA outlet closed earlier this year.