The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission could soon have more power to conduct safety evaluations and ultimately close bars and nightclubs.
It's all part of sweeping changes to the Manitoba Liquor Control Act, made after a recent and deadly bout of violence.
In October of last year, four people were shot inside The Empire Cabaret on Main Street.
Only a few weeks later, Jeff Engen was stabbed and killed at the same establishment.
Under the news laws, if there is ever a serious or violent incident, the MLCC would have the authority to close down the premises pending a Licensing Board hearing.
The changes were recommended by a working group led by the MLCC to address safety concerns in licensed premises.
The group included representatives from Manitoba Justice, the Manitoba Tourism Education Council, Winnipeg Police Services, the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Manitoba Hotel Association and a cabaret operator.
It proposed 13 recommendations, any of which the government is now adopting.
Some changes are already in place:
For example, anyone who wants a liquor license has to submit to a criminal record check.
And applicants for a cocktail lounge, beverage room, cabaret or spectator activities licence must submit a security plan as part of the licence application.
And not all the changes include bar and nightclub safety:
- liquor suppliers would be able to donate rare or expensive products to charities for fundraising auctions;
- estate liquor collections could be sold or auctioned off;
- minors would be allowed into beverage rooms during family-oriented events approved by the MLCC, as long as they are accompanied by a parent, spouse or guardian;
- standardizing the number of drink containers that can be served to one patron in a licensed premises (2).
With a report from CTV's Rachel Lagac�.
