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.