One liquor store in Swift Current will be changing hands next spring.

The provincial government announced last week during the throne speech they're leaving the liquor retailing business province-wide by the end of March 2023.

Swift Current's Liquor Store located at 1607 Springs Drive is one of 34 Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) stores across the province that will close its doors. 

Fourteen employees, five full-time and nine part-time, will be affected by the decision although the province says they'll work with Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) to create a workforce adjustment plan.

The province is attributing the move to a significant decline in revenue as they've seen their profit margins slip from $9.4 million in 2018-19 to a projected $395,000 in 2022-23.

"With year over year declines in net revenue at SLGA retail, our government has made the decision to get out of the business of selling liquor," Minister Responsible for SLGA Lori Carr said. "We believe now is the time to complete the transition to the private sector to free up financial resources for other priorities and to mitigate future losses." 

While the Swift Current Liquor Store building isn't owned by the SLGA, the permit associated with the business will be sold on an online auction early next year.

"As per usual process, successful bidders must still qualify to hold a commercial liquor permit," the province said in a press release.