The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to extend the ability to sell liquor with takeout and delivery food orders and make it easier for service models such as wine bars, seasonal and pop-up businesses to obtain licenses, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “The existing framework for service licences, such as those for restaurants and bars, is complex and has many requirements unrelated to the safe and responsible service of liquor,” said Goertzen. “These amendments will allow us to reduce the number of licence categories and remove barriers to entry. Current licensed business will all remain licensed in a new framework, but more flexibility will expand eligibility for new service models, such as wine bars, seasonal or pop-up businesses, and local bars that don’t have to make costly investments in commercial kitchens or entertainment.” Manitoba’s regulatory framework for liquor has remained largely unchanged since the lifting of prohibition and this complicated framework creates challenges for the hospitality industry in meeting the evolving preferences of modern consumers, noted Goertzen. “Levelling the playing field creates a tremendous opportunity for the foodservice industry to recover and grow,” said Scot McTaggart, owner, Fusion Grill and Manitoba director, Restaurants Canada. “Restaurants Canada applauds the government for modernizing the licensing framework focusing on the safe service of alcohol and creating a market where the entrepreneurial spirit can thrive.” Bill 38 builds on previous legislative reform introduced to allow all liquor service licensees to sell liquor with takeout and delivery food orders, a service option that has been available to dining room licensees since 2020. This change, supported by industry and driven by changing consumer demand, became especially significant as the COVID-19 pandemic changed how Manitoba’s hospitality industry operates, noted the minister. (province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Thursday May 19, 2022, members of the Organized Crime Section and Crime Suppression Section conducted a search warrant on a residence in the 700 block of 6th street shortly after 7:00 pm. Following the search police seized approximately 176 grams of Cocaine (Approx. street value of $17,000), cash, and numerous drug trafficking paraphernalia. Also seized during the search were firearms including a 12 gauge Lakefield Mossberg shotgun, a .222 caliber Remington Model 7888 bolt-action rifle, and ammunition. Three individuals were arrested and face numerous charges. A 19-year-old male was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possess Proceeds of Crime, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm X2, Unsafe Storage of Firearm X2 and Fail to Comply with Undertaking. A 52-year-old male was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine, Possess Proceeds of Crime, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm X2, Unsafe Storage of Firearm X2. A 23-year-old male was arrested and later released to appear in court on July 14, 2022 on a charge of Possession of Proceeds of Crime. A fourth individual who was found leaving the residence was also arrested on an outstanding charge of Fail to Attend Court.  The 16-year-old female was later released and will appear in court on June 14, 2022.

Source: BPS News Release At 12:55 a.m. today, passersby located a male waving down vehicles in the area of 18th Street and Rosser Avenue, and asking for help as he had been shot. The adult male from Brandon was confirmed on police arrival to be suffering from a wound to his leg caused by a firearm. Officers applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg to prevent blood loss and turned him over to the care of BFES upon their arrival, who then transported the victim to hospital. Police searched the immediate area but were unable to locate a firearm or any evidence that the male had been shot near that intersection. He was transported to BRHC by BFES to receive medical care for his non-life threatening injuries. This matter remains under active investigation and no further details will be released at this time. It is believed that there is no danger to the public given the victim’s prior involvement with police and deep entrenchment with the criminal subculture. The victim was uncooperative with police and refused to provide any information to investigators.

Source: BPS News Release In January 2022, police received a report of a fraud.  Investigation revealed that a 44-year-old male took a debit card from a family member who had been admitted to the hospital.  Over several weeks, he made numerus ATM withdrawals totaling over $8000 before other family noticed and took the card away. On May 19, 2022, the suspect was arrested and later released to appear in court on July 7, 2022 on a charge of Fraud Over $5000.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: May 20th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Vincent Angus Richard HOULE (32 yrs) FOR Fraud Under $5000 x2 In March of 2022, the accused, Vincent HOULE on two separate occasions cashed a stolen check at a business in Brandon. On May 6th, 2022, two charges were laid for the incidents and a warrant of arrest was issued by the courts. Vincent HOULE’s current whereabouts is unknown and police are asking for any information that may lead to his arrest. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. ********************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for May 20th, 2022 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Theft of Bicycle On May 12th, 2022, police received a complaint of a theft of bicycle. The bike had been locked outside a business in the 1500’ block of 18th Street. The male suspect cut the lock to the bike sometime between 9am and 11am. The suspect was captured on video and is described as light skinned male wearing a brown jacket and red pants. A still image of the suspect is attached to this release. The stolen bike is described as an Iron Horse 21 speed, red, black, and silver in colour.