Nova Scotia to survey public as it considers expanding retail sale of alcohol

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Nova Scotia considering expanding alcohol retail

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Nova Scotians may soon see alcohol on convenience or grocery store shelves as the province is considering expanding sales opportunities to new retail outlets.

“We’re excited, it’s a 30-day consultation period and we hope that there is a possibility that it could be there sooner than later but I’m going to leave that up to the government to decide when that’s going to happen,” said Michael Hammoud with the Nova Scotia Convenience Stores Association.

The province wants to hear from residents on the topic. Finance Minister John Lohr says a survey of 1,500 Nova Scotians will help provide direction on where alcohol could be sold.

“The rules on alcohol are changing in other provinces and we as part of the alignment with other provinces around trade. We feel we need to look at this at this time,” Lohr told CTV News.

Input will be gathered on the following topics:

• types of stores where alcohol can be sold
• locations where adults over 19 can drink alcohol
• health and safety considerations for any potential changes

Finance Minister John Lohr says it is a good time to do the survey as the province takes steps to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.

“This could include expanding retail options or allowing more places where people can drink alcoholic beverages. We’ll be reaching out to interested groups and polling Nova Scotians to determine whether this is something they’re interested in and what their concerns might be,” he said in a Thursday news release.

The province says it will also seek input from more than 250 stakeholders, such as health and safety organizations, retailers, municipal governments, industry and consumer groups, and alcohol producers.

When it comes to public safety, Hammoud says convenience stores across the province already handle regulated products like tobacco and lottery tickets. He add they’re not opposed to alcohol handling certification.

“In Ontario, it’s mandated that you have to take training and you have to be certified to sell alcohol. We would support that in Nova Scotia,” he said.

Beer, wine and ready to drink products have been sold in select grocery stores in New Brunswick for years.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, beer made in the province is available in various convenience stores.

There are 12 “agency stores” on Prince Edward Island, located in businesses such as gas stations and general stores.

Across Canada, most other provinces offer select products at corner stores or through privately-run businesses.

Alcohol is currently sold at more than 300 retail locations in Nova Scotia.

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 survey will be conducted until the end of June.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jesse Thomas.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page