Province Looks At Where Alcohol Sold, Consumed

The government will explore Nova Scotians’ opinions on the way alcohol is sold and consumed in the Province.

“Nova Scotia is taking steps to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, and that makes this a good time to look at how alcohol is sold and consumed,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr. “This could include expanding retail options or allowing more places where people can drink alcoholic beverages. We’ll be reaching out to interested groups and polling Nova Scotians to determine whether this is something they’re interested in and what their concerns might be.”

The Province will be gathering input on:

• the types of stores where alcohol can be sold
• locations where adults over 19 can drink alcohol
• health and safety considerations for any potential changes.

The Province will seek input from stakeholder groups such as health and safety organizations, retailers, municipal governments, industry and consumer groups, alcohol producers and others.

A public opinion survey of about 1,500 Nova Scotians over age 19 will begin this week. This will give the government a random sample of public opinion.

The Province is gathering input until June 30.

Quick Facts:

• alcohol is currently sold at just over 300 retail locations, including Nova Scotia Liquor Corp. corporate and agency stores, private wine and specialty stores, on-site stores at breweries and wineries, and farmers’ markets
• more than 250 stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback