A proposal to allow minors as young as 14 to clear and deliver alcohol in Saskatchewan restaurants has ignited a debate about safety and responsibility. Hospitality Saskatchewan's CEO, Jim Bence, recently asked the province to lower the legal age for these tasks from 19 to 14, citing a severe labour shortage in rural areas.
Labour Shortage Drives Proposal
“It’s a nationwide phenomenon in our rural and remote markets that the available labour pool is extremely shallow,” Bence said. He explained that many young people leave small towns for education or jobs in larger centres, leaving hospitality businesses struggling to find staff. “And if there’s somebody to hire, oftentimes in those places, they’re already at the age that they’re either employed or they may have moved away.”
Currently, Saskatchewan liquor laws prohibit anyone under 19 from serving, selling, or handling alcohol at tables, including clearing leftover drinks. Anyone handling liquor must also obtain a Serve It Right certificate, which covers alcohol-related safety.
Proposed Role: Expeditor
Bence suggested creating a restaurant role called an “expeditor,” responsible for clearing tables with leftover drinks and carrying prepared drinks to customers. He emphasized that minors would not take orders, make drinks, or interact directly with customers regarding alcohol. “The risk I guess is already there if you’re 14 and want to get access to liquor, it’s in those establishments already. There is youth that are already working in those environments, so they’re already in close proximity to alcohol. They just don’t touch it.”
Opposition from Industry Stakeholders
Jeff Ledding, co-owner of Outlaws Country Rock bar in Saskatoon, strongly opposed the idea. “I believe 18 and over should be able to serve and be served alcohol. They’re adults. But I don’t believe that anybody that’s not old enough to be served alcohol should be serving it,” he said. Ledding also doubted customers would support the change.
Bence countered that he has never encountered issues with 14- or 15-year-olds stealing alcohol. He noted that some rural communities have only one staff member over 19. “That extra set of hands to be able to go to somebody and be able to go to that table and be able to clean it all off, reset it and get it back in action, can help turn tables,” he said.
Current Regulations
In an emailed response, a Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) spokesperson stated that “any person under the age of 19 is considered a minor in Saskatchewan. Provincial legislation states that minors cannot act in any way in the sale, handling or serving of beverage alcohol at any premise where a liquor permit has been issued. SLGA does have policies that allow minors to be employed in certain permitted establishments, however, they cannot be involved in the sale or service of alcohol.”
The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the need for labour against concerns about underage alcohol handling.
