Voluntary Self-Exclusion

What is Voluntary Self-Exclusion– Liquor Marts?  

It is a way to help people honour their decision to take a break from buying alcohol at Manitoba Liquor Marts with controlled (security) entrances. 

You may choose Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) for a variety of reasons, but if drinking alcohol is having a negative impact on your life, it may be a good first step to help you regain control.

VSE supports your decision to take a break from purchasing alcohol products at Manitoba Liquor Marts with controlled entrances. You choose the amount of time that is right for you and make a commitment not to enter any of the included sites until that time passes and you decide to end your VSE. We understand the difficult decision you are making and will support you by refusing entry if we detect you attempting to enter a Liquor Mart with a controlled entrance. However, there should be no expectation that you will be prevented from entering or purchasing from Manitoba Liquor Marts with controlled entrances. It is your responsibility to honour the commitment you make to yourself when you request Voluntary Self-Exclusion.

If you are worried about someone who you believe is struggling with alcohol, it is understandable you may want to enroll them in VSE. However, only the person seeking self-exclusion can enroll. No one can make that decision for them.

Support services are available in Manitoba for individuals that would like to change their relationship with alcohol and for anyone concerned about someone else’s drinking. You can learn more about support services below on this page.

Where and How Long is VSE?  

Enrolling in VSE means you make a commitment not to enter existing or future Manitoba Liquor Mart locations.

The length of the exclusion period is flexible and is up to you. Your options include:  

• 6 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years

To officially end your VSE and be eligible to return to Manitoba Liquor Marts, you will need to follow several steps, including completing a re-entry exercise provided by MBLL. Only then will your VSE enrollment period be concluded. Information on re-entry is available below.

How do I enroll?  

You can enroll in VSE by contacting Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporate Security at 204-957-2500 ext. 8468 to make an appointment to enroll.

You will be asked to present government-issued photo identification that includes your signature, sign an agreement, and have a photo taken.

You may be removed from MBLL’s marketing programs but cannot guarantee that you will not receive marketing and promotional materials related to Manitoba Liquor Marts.

What happens if I break my commitment?  

VSE is only successful if you make a commitment to not enter Manitoba Liquor Marts while enrolled in VSE. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries cannot guarantee that you will be identified or prevented from purchasing alcohol, should you enter while enrolled in VSE. If you are identified, you will be asked to leave the premises immediately.  

Will store employees know that I have enrolled in Voluntary self-exclusion? 

No. Information about your VSE request is stored in a system that Liquor Mart employees cannot access. If your ID is scanned at a controlled-entrance Liquor Mart, employees will only see that the ID is not accepted. They will not see why. 

Because there are many reasons an ID may not be accepted, employees are instructed to provide any customer in this situation with contact information for Corporate Security, who can discuss the reason the ID has not been accepted. 

How can I access support?  

Participating in counselling along with VSE increases the likelihood of successfully regaining control of a problem with drinking. If you have concerns about your drinking or someone else’s, we encourage you to learn more about available help by calling the Manitoba Addictions Help Line at 1-855-662-6605 (toll-free) or by visiting https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/mental-health/.

For more information, please read the brochure.

VSE Brochure 

If gambling is having a negative impact on your life, we also offer VSE for our gaming premises. See our VSE gambling page for more information  (https://www.informedgambling.ca/content/get-support).

Ending your Voluntary Self-Exclusion

There are four steps to conclude your voluntary self-exclusion:

1. Ensure your selected time period is complete.
2. Complete the free-of-charge VSE re-entry exercise provided by MBLL.  The exercise will help you develop a plan to return to Liquor Marts if you choose to do so.
3.  After you’ve completed the first two steps, send a written request to MBLL or fill out the provided "request to return" template at the end of the exercise and attach it to an email. Submit your email to VSE@mbll.ca
   If you don't have email, a signed hard copy can be mailed to: 
   Corporate Security 
   Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries 
   1390 Pacific Avenue 
   Winnipeg, Manitoba , R3E 3R9 
   
   Be sure to include your return address.  We cannot process your request without it.
   
   Please allow approximately one business week for processing.
   
   Request an accessible version of the exercise here.
    
4. Wait for acknowledgment from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries that your request was received and accepted.  Once notified, you may re-enter Liquor Marts with controlled entrances.