The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Regulations, N.S. Reg. 77/2023, revises the prior regulations that governed the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC). The updated regulations were formalized through Order in Council 2023-120 following a comprehensive report and recommendation by the Minister responsible for the Liquor Control Act. 

The updated regulations feature detailed definitions for terms such as “annual global production,” “blended and bottled,” and “collaborative manufacturing arrangement,” among others. These definitions are designed to clarify the operational and regulatory scope for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

The new regulatory framework addresses several key areas including definitions, exemptions, corporation policies, and pricing. It specifies procedures for pricing, ensuring that liquor prices are consistent across various retail and distribution channels. Additionally, it outlines the management of exemptions for certain products, such as beverages with less than 0.5% alcohol by volume and specific concentrated food mixtures.

The regulations also grant the Corporation the authority to establish policies concerning operational matters, such as meetings, property leases, insurance, and pricing. These policies include the stipulation that liquor prices for retail must align with established benchmarks and social reference lists.

Furthermore, the new regulations introduce provisions related to employment, stipulating that individuals convicted of specific offenses under the Act are ineligible for employment with the Corporation for a minimum of five years, with potential exceptions.

N.S. Reg. 77/2023 is aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework for the NSLC and is intended to enhance clarity, streamline processes, and ensure effective regulation of liquor control in Nova Scotia.

Source: Nova Scotia 77/2023 May 19, 2023