NSLC chooses Agency Liquor Stores

The Nova Scotia Liquor Commission announced today the names of eight private stores that will become the province's first agency stores, allowed to sell alcoholic beverages with their regular merchandise.

The Agency Store Program was announced last fall by Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act. It allows private stores to sell liquor in rural communities too small to support full-scale NSLC liquor stores.

Mr. MacDonald said the eight locations are Advocate, Wentworth Valley, Bass River, Freeport, New Ross, French Shore, Whycocomagh and Iona.

Agency store operators for these eight locations were selected through public tenders.

Bruce Rogers, executive director of retail services, announced the successful bidders:

Calder's Convenience Store, Advocate Dominion Chair Convenience Store, Bass River Ossinger Grocery, Freeport DJ Corner Store, Salmon River, French Shore area Needs Convenience Store, New Ross Celtic Corner Convenience and Gas Bar, Iona Green Gables, Wentworth Valley Co-op Atlantic, Whycocomagh

Mr. Rogers said the NSLC is scheduling meetings with the successful bidders to help them establish their alcoholic- beverage business quickly.

This program is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia, but is similar to successful programs in other Canadian provinces.