Minimum Drink Prices Increase

The province is increasing minimum drink prices to encourage people to drink responsibly.

Nova Scotia's taverns, bars and lounges can no longer sell beer or alcohol for less than $2.50 per serving, Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent announced today, Dec. 19. A serving is considered to be 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or one ounce of spirits.

"Stakeholders across the province have shared their thoughts on this issue with us in many ways, including preliminary responses to a survey that was mailed out last month. The response from civic leaders, health experts and bar owners, to name but a few, has been clear," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development, which licenses establishments that sell alcohol.

A review of provincial liquor licensing regulations has been an interdepartmental effort shared by the departments of Labour and Workforce Development, Justice, and Health Promotion and Protection.

"Government has stepped up its inspection and enforcement programs in recent months, and we continued to consult and to listen," said Justice minister Cecil Clarke. "As a result, we are announcing these regulatory changes now, at a time of year when liquor consumption is prevalent."

The move stems from an incident in Halifax in December 2007 that saw several people arrested for being intoxicated in public. Low drink prices were deemed to have been a contributing factor. Since then, civic leaders and citizens from other parts of Nova Scotia have voiced concerns about low drink prices and their impact on public safety.

Other jurisdictions have set minimum drink prices to address similar issues, including the municipalities of Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Most provinces set minimum drink prices through legislation or regulation.