WINNIPEG-
The Manitoba government is looking to ease some of the rules around alcohol service.
A bill now before the legislature would eliminate the requirement for operators of beverage rooms — a popular type of license — to have hotel rooms on the premises.
Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says the bill, if passed into law, will also pave the way for wine bars in wine stores.
He says people who want to operate seasonal bars, such as pop-up establishments, will also have an easier time getting licensed.
The proposed changes will eliminate the need for some license-holders to have commercial kitchens or entertainment.
Goertzen says some of Manitoba’s liquor rules have not changed since the lifting of Prohibition and the changes will reduce red tape and the number of license categories.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2022