Election Could Change Nova Scotia Beer, Wine Sales

Tory candidates are pushing to allow convenience and grocery stores to sell beer and wine.

May 29, 2013

SYDNEY, Nova Scotia – The next election could mean more than a change of governmental officials, it could also impact where Nova Scotia residents buy their beer and wine, the Cape Breton Post reports. Tory candidates want to let supermarkets and convenience stores sell beer and wine. 

“We need new ideas to kickstart the economy of Nova Scotia, to preserve jobs and basically bring the province into the modern ages,” said Tory party leader Jamie Baillie. The political party released its paper on how it would modernize the province’s retail beer and wine laws. “Allowing for the sale of beer and wine in our grocery stores and corner stores accomplishes that.”

Baillie pointed out that the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has increased operating costs two-fold during the last decade, but has yet to see a corresponding upswing in product sales. “This [allowing other retailers to sell beer] would force them to be more efficient, meaning less money is spent on their administration and more gets to important services like health and education,” said Baillie. “It protects the bottom line of the government while also enforcing our responsible consumption laws. That’s why so many other provinces have done it and that’s why I believe now is the time for Nova Scotia to join the 21st century when it comes to our beer and wine laws. We’re one of the last to take a look at this and I want Nova Scotia to be a leader, not a follower.”

Nova Scotia Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald said no changes are planned for the province’s liquor laws. “This isn’t a new idea from Mr. Baillie. Our government has no plans to move liquor sales into grocery stores,” said MacDonald. “Most people in Nova Scotia live within 15 minutes of an agency store or a (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation) outlet. Access is very convenient as it now stands.”

The Tory opposition has said it would work with the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association on any proposed changes. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement