Launch a Beer, Wine & Liquor Retail Store in Regina
This page is a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a beer, wine, and liquor retailer in Regina (NAICS 445320). It outlines the 9 essential requirements you’ll navigate—from business registration and provincial licensing to municipal zoning and store readiness. You’ll get a clear roadmap of permits, expected costs, and realistic timelines, so you can move forward with confidence.
You’ll learn exactly what permits and licenses you need from Saskatchewan regulators, where to apply (SLGA and city hall), and how long approvals typically take. We break down costs you should plan for, including licensing fees, lease and fit-out, inventory, and safety systems. Plus, a practical checklist covering location, inspections, training, insurance, and banking setup.
Regina is a great fit for a new beer, wine, and liquor store—strong local demand, a supportive business climate, and a straightforward regulatory path when you follow a clear plan. With these 9 requirements in hand, you can move from concept to opening faster and with fewer guesswork moments.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a beer, wine, and liquor retailer in Regina is Product Safety Compliance (Retail). This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass—without it you cannot legally stock or sell beverages. It ensures products meet safety standards, proper labeling, and supplier compliance, and it is non-negotiable for any reputable retailer.
Beyond product safety, the mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. You’ll need a City of Regina Business Licence to legally run a storefront. If you have employees, Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration is required for workplace insurance and safety coverage. These items, along with maintaining safe store practices and meeting applicable health and safety rules for retail workplaces, keep your operation compliant on a day-to-day basis.
For business structure and taxation, you’ll handle registrations and tax numbers as part of starting and running the store. This includes Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) to register your trade name, and a Business Number (BN) Registration with the federal government for tax, payroll, and regulatory purposes. If you expect to meet revenue thresholds, you’ll also need GST/HST Registration; if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration is needed; and you’ll register as a Saskatchewan Corporation or Partnership if your business structure requires it.
Next steps: start by securing Product Safety Compliance details and documents, then apply for the City of Regina Business Licence. Set up your Saskatchewan Business Name with ISC and obtain your BN, then arrange GST/HST and any payroll tax registrations. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple, practical checklist and timeline to keep you on track and confident as you get ready to open.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a beer, wine, and liquor retailers in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Product Safety Compliance (Retail) RequiredRetailers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards, properly label products, report safety incidents, and participate in product recalls when required. Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) applies federally. Health Canada enforces. Mandatory incident reporting for serious harm. 6-year record keeping. Recall responsibilities. No provincial retail license for general products. Children's product safety requirements stricter. Cosmetics: labeling and notification. Check recall database. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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