Nova Scotia to survey public on sale of alcohol at corner stores
Province will survey 1,500 Nova Scotians over the age of 19 starting this week
Nova Scotia announced a month-long public survey Thursday as the provincial government considers expanding alcohol sales to retail outlets like grocery and corner stores.
Finance Minister John Lohr said examining how alcohol is sold and consumed makes sense as the province moves to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.
"Alcohol is the poster child for interprovincial trade barriers," he said after a cabinet meeting. "The rules are changing in other provinces, and as part of the alignment with other provinces in terms of trade, we need to look at this at this time."
The minister said the government isn't looking at any particular option in terms of who can sell alcohol, and it will wait for the results of the $300,000 survey to determine the next steps.
"I don't have a set plan on how it's going to turn out," Lohr said. "There may not be any changes as a result of the consultation."
The province plans to survey 1,500 Nova Scotians over the age of 19 starting this week. The goal is to gather feedback on the types of stores where alcohol could be sold, and locations where people could drink alcohol. As well, they will be asked about health considerations related to possible changes.
Alcohol is currently sold at over 300 retail locations. These include Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation stores, private wine and specialty stores, on-site stores at breweries and wineries, and farmers markets.
Lohr said the government has been watching what is happening in Ontario.
Last fall, Canada's largest province allowed convenience and grocery stores to start selling beer, wine, cider and ready-to-drink cocktails, while spirits remained the purview of Liquor Control Board of Ontario stores and outlets.
Opposition NDP Leader Claudia Chender questioned how allowing alcohol to be sold at convenience and grocery stores would affect interprovincial trade.
"The government hasn't really shown the nexus between interprovincial trade and loosening or changing the [alcohol] rules in this province," said Chender. "But sure, I think the public should always have their say. We will be looking for a robust public consultation."
This week, health advocates, including the Canadian Cancer Society, called on the province to prioritize public health and safety over convenience when it comes to expanding the sales of alcohol.
The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, which represents retail and warehouse staff and store managers at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, also called for caution.
"The NSGEU is eager to participate in this consultation process," the union said in a news release Thursday. The union added that it would "focus on ensuring that issues surrounding social responsibility, public health, good jobs and potential negative impacts on Nova Scotia's finances are at the forefront of the discussions."
The national group for convenience stores also weighed in, saying it was pleased to support Nova Scotia's consultations.
The Convenience Industry Council of Canada said the consultation process "presents a meaningful opportunity to bring greater choice and convenience to Nova Scotians, while strengthening local businesses and rural communities."
