The MLCC is changing its occasional permit fee structure Feb. 1 to simplify the application process; provide
savings to event organizers; and increase business efficiencies within the organization and other liquor
retailers, says Christine Girardin, community relations co-ordinator for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).
Girardin says the MLCC will "move from a complex two-fee system to a one fee system based on type of event." While there will be an increase in all permit fees, additional fees now for events where liquor is sold will be eliminated.
"The current two-fee system for sale events is complex. Many of our customers do not understand the additional fees, which require considerable manual calculation," says MLCC President Ken Hildahl. "Customers and event organizers will find the process much easier and will see significant savings with the elimination of the additional fees. Simplifying the fee structure will also provide greater business efficiencies for the MLCC, liquor vendors and the private wine stores by freeing up staff time to focus on customer service and sales."
Under the current system, permit fees for events where alcohol is sold are comprised of two fees: a fixed permit fee and an additional fee of $2.50 per unit of liquor. Under the new system, only one fee will be charged and the additional fees will be eliminated. Hildahl says the permit fees have not changed since 1987 and will now reflect the current cost for processing and investigating applications, as well as inspecting the events.
Under the current system, a typical "family oriented event" with 260 people in attendance costs $155 in MLCC fees - $25 for the permit and $130 in additional fees, totalling $155 for both, says Hildahl. After Jan. 31, while the new permit fee cost will have doubled from $25 to $50, without additional fees, the occasional permit holder will save $105.
In another typical example, under the current system, a typical "community event" with 570 people in attendance costs $310 in MLCC fees - $25 for the permit and $285 in additional fees, totalling $310 for both, says Hildahl. After Jan. 31, while the new permit fee cost will have increased by 10 times its current amount - from $25 to $250, without additional fees, the occasional permit holder will still save $60, Hildahl says.
Diana Soroka, manager of communications for the MLCC, says last year a total of 193 occasional permits were issued for Thompson including 81 for family events; three for community events; 96 for "organizational functions" and 13 for charitable fundraisers.
