Manitoba loosens liquor laws for Junos, other festivals

Manitoba is throwing open the party doors for Juno week, March 24-30.

The provincial government is easing up on its liquor laws, allowing clubs andbeer vendors to stay open longer, and fordining rooms, lounges and hotel beverage rooms to operate as live music cabarets.

• Arcade Fire, Serena Ryder nab Juno nominations
• Manitobans get 13 Juno nods ahead of Winnipeg award show

"Restaurants are a dynamic part of the hospitality industry in Manitoba and we welcome this chance to participate directly in major musical events like the Junos week and the Year of Music," said Scott Jocelyn, executive director of theManitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

Under the special rules, dining rooms, lounges andhotel beverage rooms that want to become temporary cabarets must providetwo hours of live music by paid performerseach evening. As a result of recent liquor law changes, DJs mixing original music now qualify.

Existing cabarets and legions and those with special permits will be allowed to serve liquor until3 a.m.and beer vendors can sell until3:30 a.m.

"We applaud this step by the province to reduce red tape and enhance options for our consumers," echoed DwayneMarling, vice-president of theCanadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

"The opportunity and flexibility to act as small venues for local and national musical talent can only enrich the experience we offer our customers."

Following the Junos, it is expected a similar relaxing of the rules will be issued for the Western Canada Music Awards and Aboriginal Peoples Choices Awards.