Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The present process is defined, in part, in section 48 of the Liquor Act. Presently, 20 qualified voters in a settlement can petition the Minister to hold a plebiscite to become aware whether the consumption and purchase, sale or transport of alcohol should be restricted or prohibited.
The act also goes on to say that if a licensed premises exists in a settlement, there cannot be a plebiscite. This amendment allows that a plebiscite can be held in those communities where a licensed premises now exists. The only stipulation is that a plebiscite cannot change the operation of the licensed premises that exists there now. Thank you.