N.S. convenience stores show support for sale of packaged alcoholic beverages

Convenience store owners are showing their support for the sale of package alcohol beverages in corner stores across Nova Scotia.

The move would bring the province in line with Newfoundland and Labrador, Québec, Ontario, and Alberta which allow select alcoholic products to be sold in convenience stores.

The Atlantic Canada chapter of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada is urging the provincial government to take a balanced approach to its current assessment of the expansion of outlets permitted to sell packaged alcoholic beverages.

“There are 65 agency stores across Nova Scotia that have sold beverage alcohol for decades. Convenience stores already sell age-restricted products like tobacco and lottery under strict provincial rules, with compliance rates exceeding 95 per cent,” Mike Hammoud, vice president of the Atlantic Canada of the CICC, said in a press release. “We’re trusted to do this work responsibly. And we can do the same with packaged beverage alcohol.”

The CICC emphasizes the move would have a positive impact on rural communities and the stores serving those communities. Allowing the sale of packaged products in convenience stores will expand retail operations for those located far from NSLC stores.

“Adding a product category like packaged beverage alcohol strengthens business operations, making convenience stores better able to service and support the communities where they operate,” Hammoud said. “And retailers play an important role in shaping safe purchasing habits and promoting moderation.”