Licensing and Registration for Gaming Improved

ALCOHOL/GAMING AUTHORITY--Licensing and Registration for Gaming Improved

Community-based charitable organizations and business owners now have more flexibility when renewing licences and registrations.

David Morse, Minister responsible for Part 2 of the Gaming Control Act, announced changes to regulations for the Alcohol and Gaming Authority today that will save time for business and organizations renewing licences and registrations. They will now be able to renew their licences for up to three years, an increase over the previous maximum term of 12 months.

"We're pleased to be introducing options that can save time for businesses and charities," said Mr. Morse.

"It's very satisfying to see how quickly the department acted on this suggestion. I believe the early response we have received from this and other departments is a good indication that the recommendations are being taken seriously by government," said David Grace, private sector chair of the government's Task Force on Red Tape Reduction.

The change is consistent with recommendations released last fall in a progress report from the Task Force. Premier John Hamm launched the Red Tape Reduction Task Force in May 2000. It has been working to identify ways to reduce unnecessary red tape to allow business to flourish, while ensuring necessary regulatory protection for employees, the public and the environment. A final report is due in 2002.

The improvements announced by Mr. Morse today apply in Nova Scotia to about 1,600 licensees in the charitable ticket and bingo sectors, 1,000 video store operators and about 2,000 liquor licensees (eating establishments and clubs, for example).