Manitoba eyes new regulations for delivery of liquor and cannabis

New regulations are being considered by the Manitoba government for the delivery ofliquor and cannabis and the province is looking for the public's feedback.

The new regulations would shift obligation and responsibility from restaurants to third-party delivery companies, such as SkipTheDishes, DoorDash andUber Eats,to ensure the products get to the right customerssafely and responsibly, Justice Minister Cameron Friesensaid in a news release on Wednesday.

Currently, the liability falls on the dining rooms, lounges or retailersthat usethose delivery services, Cameron said.

The shift puts theaccountability "where it belongs" andthe changes will help keep minors safe, Friesen said.

Theproposed legislationwould also beef up the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act to allow enforcement against breaches related to selling or serving regulated products to young people.

A "minor agent program" would be developed, withpeople posing as youth attempting to buy regulated products, allowingthe LGCA to monitor compliance with prohibitions on under-age sales.

A spokesperson for Winnipeg-basedSkipTheDishes said in an email to CBC News that they have not yet seen the proposed legislation and therefore cannot comment on it.

However, they said theylook forward to consulting with the LGCA on how SkipTheDishes can continue to provide safe and convenient delivery for customers across Manitoba.

The province is holding a 45-day public consultation period to get feedback on the planned regulations. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 6.