NB Liquor fundraising ban has charities worried businesses will follow

NB Liquor's decision to ban public solicitation at its stores next year has some charities worried that others will soon follow its lead.

"What message is the Crown corporation sending to private businesses?" asked Tim Fox, of the Fredericton Community Foundation.

"If the Crown corporation isn't willing to do that, are private businesses going to continue to do that?"

For years, charitable organizations have collected cash donations both inside and outside NB Liquor outlets.

But earlier this month, NB Liquor announced it was putting an end to the practice in June, saying customers are tired of being solicited.

The Royal Canadian Legion is not included in the ban.

Several charities have said NB Liquor's policy change will mean a loss of donations that are desperately needed.

Jeff Richardson, of the United Way Central New Brunswick, says having people collecting donations at the liquor outlets also personalized charities by having people who could answer questions about where the money would be going.