Premier says talk of booze in N.S. corner stores 'intriguing' but early
Tim Houston says consultation would happen before any changes take effect
Nova Scotia's premier says he's "intrigued" by the idea of alcohol being sold in convenience stores, but right now it's just "early discussions about new distribution channels."
"If we are to move on that, there will be extensive consultations before that were to happen," Tim Houston told reporters Thursday following a cabinet meeting.
"It's a concept that's been discussed in this province for a long time and I listen when people raise it."
Houston's comments follow reporting by CBC News last week that indicated general support for the idea among producers in the province, although industry representatives have said they would want to be consulted and ensure equitable access to store shelves.
The premier said Thursday it's important to increase market access for producers, which is one of the reasons he's pushed for breaking down trade barriers between provinces and territories.
On Wednesday, Houston's government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ontario government to that effect, and he's anticipating signing one soon with the government of P.E.I.
Finance Minister John Lohr, who is also the minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and the Liquor Control Act, said there have been requests through the years about expanding retail options for alcohol sales. He said he's only been a part of one conversation on the matter, but the minister said he's interested in the idea.
Lohr said he's not sure if a change would require amending legislation or if it could be done through regulatory changes. He said officials in his department would also have to look at what impact a change could have on provincial finances.
"It's no secret that the alcohol revenues are important to us, so that will be a factor for us in the decision-making process, clearly," he told reporters.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender said if a change is to be made, it must be consistent with public health and happen in a way that supports local producers by putting them on equal footing with major companies.
"The people who bring it up are the large beverage corporations because they have large distribution channels that can get them into a number of retail outlets," she told reporters.
"Our local producers don't have the same advantage, so we would need to see distribution that's safe, that's sensible, that works to support the economic capacity of the province, but also protects our local producers and gets them on shelves."
Liberal MLA Iain Rankin said it's worth considering a change if it can be done safely and in a way to benefit local producers.
He noted that alcohol is already sold at convenience stores in many rural communities as part of the NSLC agency store program.
"It does warrant significant consultation, especially with groups like [Mothers Against Drunk Driving] and other groups that are involved in alcohol in general," he told reporters.
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