Saskatchewan open to exploring U.S.-style tailgating

As Ontario moves to allow U.S.-style tailgating in parking lots outside of sporting events, Saskatchewan isn’t ruling out the idea.

More details of Ontario’s proposal to legalize tailgating are expected in Thursday’s provincial budget.

When asked if Saskatchewan would be interested in following suit, Gene Makowsky — the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — said there aren’t any imminent changes expected to the liquor laws to allow tailgating.

“It’s certainly a hypothetical right now. We haven’t, obviously, looked into this or given this much thought,” he said Tuesday.

For years, Saskatchewan Roughriders fans would gather at the practice field outside old Mosaic Stadium before a game. However, they were not allowed to bring their own booze. Alcohol was sold through special occasion permits.

Outside the new stadium, Party in the Park located in Confederation Park operates in a similar manner.

Makowsky explained laws would have to change to allow U.S.-style tailgating, where fans bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages.

“That would be a change, I believe, that is not allowed anywhere currently in Canada, so we’ll see what Ontario comes up with on Thursday,” he said.

While there aren’t any plans currently in the works to allow tailgating in Saskatchewan, Makowsky said if there is a demand, he’d be open to exploring the option.

He also said the province would likely want to consult with the public, the city, the police and the Roughriders before making any decision.