Company to Help Examine Liquor Future

The province has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers to help examine the future of liquor distribution within Nova Scotia.

The company will help a government working committee analyse the current business model for the warehousing, distribution and sale of beverage alcohol. The company will also help analyse the options for the alternative delivery of these services, said Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act.

"We want the facts laid out as clearly as possible, so that government can make an informed decision that will benefit the taxpayers of the province," said Mr. MacDonald.

The company will work with the committee to assess the impact of all options on government finances, service to the public, staff, and ensuring proper control over the sales of alcoholic beverages. Options being considered include distributing wine and beer through corner and grocery stores to full privatization of the service. Michele McKenzie, deputy minister of the Department of Tourism and Culture, will chair the committee.

"It is crucial that if there is to be a change from the status quo, it can only go ahead if government revenues are protected or improved," said the minister.

PricewaterhouseCoopers was selected following a public call for proposals. The company was chosen for a number of factors including its expertise in developing models for alternative service delivery, and its experience with issues related to liquor distribution and price. The firm has done work for liquor boards and agencies in five other provinces. The company is expected to complete its aspect of the project by July 7, 2000.

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is mandated to control the possession, sale, transportation and delivery of all alcoholic beverages in the province. It operates 100 outlets and employs an estimated 690 people. The commission had revenues of $131 million on sales of $363 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.