N.S. Liquor Act changes reduce red tape, save operators time and money

(May 6/11) CRFA’s efforts to streamline the liquor licence system in Nova Scotia have paid off with the introduction of Bill 40, An Act to Amend the Liquor Control Act. These amendments will help the province’s licensees by reducing the time and effort required to get and change their liquor licences – saving both licensees and government money, without compromising regulatory oversight.

In September 2009, CRFA conveyed the industry’s frustration with the liquor licence process to the Minister Responsible for the Liquor Control Act John MacDonell and the Minister of Finance Graham Steele. (Click here [PDF] to read our letter.)

This April, government addressed most of CRFA’s concerns by proposing these changes:

eliminate mandatory public hearings for lounge licences – hearings will only be held if legitimate public concerns are raised prior to the granting of a licence;
transfer liquor licensing responsibilities from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) to the Executive Director of the Alcohol and Gaming Authority (AGA) – a much less formal process that will save significant time and effort for licensees;
remove requirement for a licensee to be a Canadian resident or citizen;
designate the AGA as the first-level decision-maker regarding minor regulatory infractions, eliminate the need for formal hearings at NSUARB; and
implement an appeal process outside the Courts, saving licensees time and money to challenge decisions they deem unfair.

CRFA has asked both opposition parties to support the legislation and will appear before the Law Amendments Committee of the Legislature to support the Bill.

CRFA's Nova Scotia Lobbyist

N.S. Liquor Act changes reduce red tape, save operators time and money