Update on Government Consultation on Alcohol Sales

As many of you know, Premier Houston’s government has announced it will undertake consultations and public opinion polling on how and where alcohol sales take place in Nova Scotia throughout the month of June. The NSGEU is working to ensure your voice is heard.

I have personally written to Premier Houston and John Lohr, the Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for the NSLC, to emphasize the importance of including the NSGEU in any consultations regarding potential changes. The union also issued two media releases to highlight the potential risks of expanding alcohol sales. You can read the media releases here and here.

I want to assure you that the NSGEU will fight on your behalf throughout this process. We will fight to protect the social responsibility mandate of the NSLC and ensure that any decisions made prioritize the health and safety of Nova Scotians.

There are currently no issues relating to access to alcohol in this province: in fact, there are currently more than 300 retailers of alcohol in Nova Scotia. The whole idea is a solution in search of a problem. Putting alcohol in convenience stores will end up making it easier to buy a 12-pack than it is to buy a double-double at Tim Horton’s. Moreover, it has the potential to reduce much-needed provincial revenue, which is used to fund health care, education and other important public services that people count on.

We believe that changes to alcohol sales could threaten good jobs, negatively impact local economies, and hurt the livelihood of our members. Furthermore, the union has serious concerns if government can maintain the same level of social responsibility and oversight if alcohol is sold in a broadened privatized model.

The union will continue to push for a thorough and transparent consultation process. We are committed to ensuring that any decisions made are in the best interest of our members, public health, and the well-being of communities across Nova Scotia.

Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.

Sandra Mullen