Association for Nova Scotia convenience stores supports liquor retail talks

The Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC), which represents hundreds of community-based convenience stores across Nova Scotia, says they support the retailing of packaged alcohol in convenience stores.

A release from the CICC says store owners and operators welcome the consultation about retailing alcohol in their stores.

“We hear and respect the various viewpoints that have been put forward. As small business owners, we live and work in Nova Scotia, too,” said Mike Hammoud, vice president, CICC Atlantic Canada. “We believe that there’s a path forward that ensures safe and responsible access and consumption while also supporting local economic growth.”

An assessment from the CICC takes into consideration factors like:

• modernization
• fairness
• consumer choice
• economic development
• rural sustainability
• responsible retailing
• responsible consumption

“There are 65 agency stores across Nova Scotia that have sold beverage alcohol for decades. Convenience stores already sell age-restricted products like tobacco and lottery under strict provincial rules, with compliance rates exceeding 95 per cent,” said Hammoud. “We’re trusted to do this work responsibly. And we can do the same with packaged beverage alcohol, just like our counterparts in provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Québec, Ontario, and Alberta.”

Beer, wine and ready to drink products have been sold in select grocery stores in New Brunswick for several years. In Newfoundland and Labrador, beer made in the province is available in various convenience stores and there are 12 “agency stores” on Prince Edward Island, located in businesses such as gas stations and general stores.

The CICC says the sale of packaged alcohol in convenience stores would also benefit rural communities where NSLC stores are often located further away.

“Adding a product category like packaged beverage alcohol strengthens business operations, making convenience stores better able to service and support the communities where they operate,” added Hammoud. “And retailers play an important role in shaping safe purchasing habits and promoting moderation.”

There’s a coalition against expanding alcohol retail opportunities, that includes the Canadian Cancer Society, that is warning of the harms associated with alcohol consumption.

The union who represents Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation employees says the current model is the responsible one.

“The NSLC contributes 100 per cent of their profits, over $280 million annually, to the province which is used to fund many important public services like health care, education and new infrastructure,” said NSGEU first vice president, Hugh Gillis, in a June news release.

“In these uncertain financial times why would the government look at doing something that would decrease revenue and put public services at risk?”

The union argues the privatization of alcohol sales would also put many jobs at risk, especially in rural communities, as NSLC employs thousands of people.

However, convenience store owners say the move would be beneficial to their small businesses.

“As convenience store owners, we’re proud to be part of Nova Scotia’s small business backbone,” said Al Sutherland, owner of Big Al’s Convenience, New Glasgow, N.S. “We’re your neighbours, coaches, and community supporters. We want what’s best for this province, and we believe there’s a responsible, balanced path forward.”

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