The Manitoba government introduced legislation that would amend The Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act (LGCCA) to allow more options for consumers by allowing liquor to be sold with take-out and delivery meal service by licensed establishments, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “For several years, restaurant owners have expressed interest in selling wine, beer and single-serve beverages through food take-out or delivery service,” said Wharton.  “This is a win-win for businesses and customers as restaurants will now be able to expand their business and offer an additional service to customers.” Liquor delivery and take-out orders would be linked to meal orders and offered by licensed establishments whose primary business is food, such as restaurants.  Liquor pricing will be the same as in-dining service menu prices, which will link wine and beer retail to the licensees’ meal service. The amendment also considers social responsibility in serving alcohol, drivers delivering alcoholic beverages will be required to be 18 years of age or older, be certified by the LGCA’s Smart Choices responsible sales and service program, and conduct mandatory identification checks. Several private wine stores have indicated they see this as an opportunity to sell more wine to their corporate restaurant customers, noted Wharton, which will also support their economic viability. The proposed legislation would also amend The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Act to remove the current reference to ‘beer’ under the distributor section, which limits distribution for private distributors, and replaces it with ‘beverage alcohol categories’.  This will allow third parties to dispense a wider variety of product to licensed vendors including private wine stores and hotel beer vendors by agreement with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. Wharton noted this is another step to reduce red tape and to provide more choice and convenience for the consumer and greater opportunities and flexibility for businesses. (Province of Manitoba News Release)

Fire/EMS and police responded to the area of Highway #1 and Highway #110 junction Tuesday afternoon for a school bus in the north ditch. When emergency crews arrived, there were no children on the bus, and no hazards or injuries to attend to. It is unclear whether or not the bus was traveling on the side-road or the highway at the time of the crash. Police remained on scene to assist with traffic control, and waiting for a tow truck. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Douglas Hicks, 62 years of age. Mr. Hicks last known sighting was by family on Friday, November 29, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., in the east end of Brandon. Mr. Hicks is 5’10” tall, and weighs around 160 lbs. He appears as he does in the photograph accompanying this special media release, with a tightly shaved goatee. He was wearing a red and grey quilted plaid lumber jacket, black hoodie, blue jeans, and black runners. Mr. Hicks is not a threat at any level to the public and his disappearance is not suspicious; however, his family is extremely concerned for his well being. If you have any information related to the whereabouts of Mr. Douglas Hicks, please contact the Brandon Police Service at (204)729-2345. Police will not be releasing any further information related to this request to locate Mr. Hicks at this time.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On December 2, 2019 shortly before 10:00 am, members of the Organized Crime Unit executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Middleton Ave. Seized was approximately 6 ounces of Meth, 3 ounces of Cocaine, and 3.5 Grams of Ecstasy. Five individuals were arrested and lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre, and will appear in court today on the same charges of Possess for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth, Cocaine, MDMA, and Alprazolam. They include an 18-year-old female, a 25-year-old male, a 26-year-old male, and a 27-year-old male. A 26-year-old female faces additional charges of Proceeds of Crime, and Fail to Comply with Conditions of Undertaking

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Brandon Police Service will be conducting Operation Festive Spirits again this Holiday Season. All December, we will be taking a pro-active enforcement and educational approach through a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). STEP is designed to reduce impaired driving, increase awareness of the cost of impaired driving and ultimately remind Manitoba motorists that finding a safe way home this festive season is the only option. High visibility Check Stops and targeted saturated patrols will be set out across the city in an effort to detect, deter and enforce traffic laws in relation to alcohol and drug related offences including impaired and aggressive driving. The message that the Brandon Police Service is sending to the motoring public is a simple one: If you choose to drink or do drugs, do the right thing and arrange a designated driver, call a cab, stay the night, or phone Operation Red Nose. Please celebrate this Christmas season, but do it responsibly.