Letter to the Editor

From Rodney MacDonald, Minister Responsible for the Administration of the Liquor Control Act

There has been some confusion about proposed changes to the Liquor Control Act and I would like to take this opportunity to clarify points raised in the past number of weeks.

I would like to reassure your readers that pharmacies will not be selling liquor in Nova Scotia. The revised Liquor Control Act maintains the existing rules to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages in a pharmacy or by a pharmacist.

The revisions to the Act simply remove the rule that prevents NSLC stores from being co-located in facilities which also contact pharmacies, such as large multi-purpose retailers. If a private agency store is to be co-located with a pharmacy, it must be independently owned and operated. All stores will continue to ensure that the sale of alcohol is subject to appropriate controls, such as those prohibiting sale to minors.

We believe these and other changes to the Act provide the flexibility the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation needs to better meet its mandate - to provide Nova Scotians with the best service and selection possible, while promoting responsible consumption.