Beer in corner stores? N.S. considers expanding where alcohol is sold, say sources

The Nova Scotia government appears poised to announce changes to where alcohol can be sold in the province.

Multiple sources tell CBC News that there have been ongoing conversations about expanding sales to convenience stores.

Andrew Tanner, co-founder of Saltbox Brewing Company in Mahone Bay and president of the Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia, said members have heard from "some very credible resources" that an announcement could come as soon as the end of the month and changes could ready for sometime in the fall.

Tanner said the association has not been consulted, but he's hoping that changes soon.

"We're just awaiting with bated breath the call from the premier to say, 'Hey, we'd like to invite you to a meeting to talk about this idea,'" he said in an interview.

Gov't 'always open to proposals'

Karl Coutinho, chair of the board for Wine Growers Nova Scotia, said in an email that members of his organization have not been a part of any discussions nor have they heard anything, but they welcome the idea and would expect to be consulted if sale channels are to be expanded.

In a brief interview, Mike Hammoud, Atlantic vice-president of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, said he's heard rumours but has not been involved in any formal meetings. He declined further comment.

"There's just too many uncertainties that are happening right now," he said.

A spokesperson for the province's Finance Department said many people have expressed an interest in seeing beverage alcohol sold in more locations, particularly in rural areas, and in supporting Nova Scotia products.

"We are always open to proposals and we're always listening to Nova Scotians," Rachel Boomer said in the statement.

"We don't currently have any changes planned, but we'll let Nova Scotians know if and when we do."

A spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation referred questions to the provincial government.

Ontario announced changes last year

In Nova Scotia, alcohol is mainly sold at NSLC stores, agency stores in rural communities, at four private stores in the Halifax area and at sites owned by breweries, distilleries and wineries.

The sales model is different in some other provinces, such as Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, where certain products are available in convenience stores. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans last year to speed up the sale of beer, wine and ready-made cocktails in corner stores and additional supermarkets.

Tanner said if sales are to be expected in convenience stores in Nova Scotia, his association would expect to be consulted.

He said craft brewers would like to see centralized distribution so companies of all sizes have an easy mechanism to get on store shelves. He'd also like to see a requirement that shelf space must be filled with at least 50 per cent local craft products.

Being able to expand sales options would create greater market reach throughout the province and increase the promotion of locally produced products, said Tanner.

Public 'keen' to support local products

Colin Macdonald is a director of Micco Companies. One of the group's companies is Harvest Beer Wine Spirits, which sells and distributes direct to customers. Micco also has a management contract for the four private liquor stores in the Halifax area.

Macdonald said there were talks about expanded sales access in the province a few years ago, although he's not familiar with anything more recent. The government has not approached Harvest as a potential distribution option for expanded access, but Macdonald said they'd be open to it if the opportunity presented itself.

"At this point, no, we haven't had any conversations with the government or NSLC," he said in an interview.

The private stores Micco manages have a large selection of local products and Macdonald said that's proved popular with customers.

"We've got some amazing producers of beer, wine and spirits in Nova Scotia," he said.

"Especially now with all the things that are going on in the world, a lot of people are keen to try and support the local producers."