Regina restaurant says food charge to buy sudsy advent calendar hard to swallow

REGINA – A Regina restaurant selling a sudsy advent calendar for adults says liquor laws in Saskatchewan are making it difficult to make enough sales.

Beer Brothers Gastropub and Deli is offering different beers from around the world in the days leading up to Christmas for $220.

But the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority requires customers also purchase food, because Beer Bros. only has a specialty-order liquor licence.

Manager Eric Clairmont says the added food expense is discouraging people from buying the already pricey liquid calendars at all.

He says customers are complaining about having to buy food, which he calls an unnecessary charge.

He’s suggesting they go for some beer olives — the cheapest item on the menu.

Clairmont says the pub has to follow the rules even though he thinks they’re unfair.

Staff are directing customers who feel the same way to a government online survey on alcohol retailing in the province.

(CJME)