November 6, 2015
Province Announces New, Easy Online Application for Social Occasion Permits
– – –www.MyLGA.ca Website Modernizes Process for Manitoba Tradition: Minister Chomiak
Manitobans can now quickly apply online for a permit for weddings and other social events where liquor is served, rather than having to make a special trip to a retail liquor store or Liquor and Gaming Authority (LGA) office, Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for the Liquor and Gaming Control Act, announced today.
“Under new legislation, the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba is continuing to modernize liquor services,” said Minister Chomiak. “The creation of www.MyLGA.cais another example of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and accessibility for Manitobans, just in time for the holiday season.”
The new website, www.MyLGA.ca, makes applying online for a social occasion permit easier and faster, the minister said. The user-friendly application process, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, allows for the creation of an online account to speed the application process for multiple permits for a series of events, like a wedding social, shower and wedding, and annual festivals and charity events. Return emails will confirm the LGA received the application and notify applicants when their permit is issued and ready for pickup at their preferred liquor retail location.
Social occasion permits are required anytime liquor is being brought into a venue to serve or sell, such as at a social, wedding reception, festival or business event.
The mobile-friendly site features step-by-step tips and suggestions when completing an application, and has a real-time catalogue of venues in Manitoba that includes area information and capacity requirements to help Manitobans find the perfect location for their event.
Since the LGA’s establishment in April 2014, other measures to modernize social occasion events have included the elimination of bottle and brand limits to allow inspectors to focus on safety and age control and streamlining raffle options for fundraisers, Minister Chomiak said.
The announcement of www.MyLGA.ca builds on other provincial initiatives to modernize liquor laws including craft beer growler bars, licensing for tasting rooms adjacent to local breweries, liquor service at spas and salons, the removal of restrictive food to liquor ratios at restaurants, the introduction of a family-friendly option popular with rural hotels to allow their beverage rooms to operate as dining rooms until 9 p.m., and the extension of liquor service hours for major events such as the Grey Cup, Juno Music Awards, Jets playoff games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Customers can still apply for their social occasion permits in person at Manitoba Liquor Marts, rural liquor vendors, specialty wine stores and the LGA’s office located at Unit 10 – 1146 Waverley St. in Winnipeg.
For more information, please visit www.MyLGA.ca.
- 30 -