Beer, wine should be sold in grocery stores: Tories

Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservatives want to open the door to liquor sales in grocery and corner stores.

Leader Jamie Baillie says a PC government would look at changing the law because he believes Nova Scotians deserve more choice.

Baillie said the rules right now are unfair, especially in smaller communities.

"There's almost a lottery," he said, referring to towns with just two stores. "One gets to be a winner and the other one goes out of business. I don't want to see that happen."

Baillie said the rules that govern the sale of alcohol have changed little since the provincial liquor commission was created in 1930.

He has released a discussion paper on the topic and is seeking public input.

But Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald said the NDP government has no plans to change the rules on liquor sales.

"We already sell beer and wine in more than 54 small stores — the agency stores — around the province," she said. "That's in addition to the liquor corporation retail which is available in many grocery stores ... I don't see any reason for an expansion of that."

Some private liquor stores do exist in Nova Scoita, but they aren't allowed to sell anything that provincial liquor stores already offer. The private stores also have to order those products through the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. They can, however, sell local products regardless of whether or not those items are sold by the NSLC.

MacDonald pointed out the previous Progressive Conservative government of John Hamm already concluded that the province's model best serves the interests of taxpayers.

Baillie said his party will continue to consult with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Injury Free Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association.