The provincial government announced they'd be leaving the liquor retailing business last fall, with all 35 stores changing hands by the end of this month. 

Swift Current’s lone Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming authority’s permit sold in the province-wide auction, going for $1,456,000. 

According to David Morris from the SLGA, 11 bidders and 195 bids were made in Swift Current, before group three of the auction closed on February 17.  The winning bidder was not named, as third-party information is considered confidential.

In a written provincial release, Lori Carr, minister responsible for SLGA, said they are pleased to see the auction's success.

"The incredible amount of interest means that we will have additional revenue to put toward the high-quality public services we all enjoy,” she added.

Final bids for permits across the province ranged from $450,000 in Carlyle to $3,270,000 in La Ronge, bringing in a total of more than $45 million.  

Auctions for the 35 permits were conducted online through McDougall Auctions, beginning February 6, and ending March 11.