Time for adult conversations about adult beverages

Premier Houston says he is ready to listen to what Nova Scotians want with respect to beverage alcohol retail modernization. 

Unfortunately, a recently released report conducted last summer doesn’t put Nova Scotians at the centre of its conclusions. In fact, the report is filled with contradictions and misleading information.

As the voice of the convenience industry in the province, we know what our customers want and we do a stellar job at fulfilling those needs. Nova Scotians agree—according to our research, 84% say their local convenience store is vital to their needs.

Why? Because an industry that is at the heart of every community in Nova Scotia is facing severe headwinds. Government restrictions, lack of action on growing illegal markets, rising credit card fees are all contributing to store closures.

That’s why we were so optimistic about expansion of beverage alcohol sales. The experience in Ontario has helped to reduce store closures. In 2022, more than one store closed its doors every day. In 2025, that was down to one store a week. 

In Nova Scotia, 59% of convenience stores are rural—that’s the second- highest in the country. Unfortunately, the province has consistently lost one store per week—mostly in rural areas—for the past three years. 

These are not just stats. This is about the ripple effect on communities. It’s about the taxes we collect for governments. It’s about the industry that remains open, convenient in good times, essential in tough times.

Serving customers in communities both big and small is at the centre of what your local corner store does. When our customers tell us they want more convenience and choice, we want to deliver on that.

And now one belatedly released report from last summer has completely changed the narrative. Certain local industries want the government to prioritize their contributions to the economy. But it doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. There are plenty of entrepreneurs, distillers and craft brewers, who were excited about the economies of scale they could achieve partnering with convenience stores.

Predictably, the government run monopoly, opposes competition. It suggests that government revenues will decline. Yes, the reality is that there will be a slight shift in consumer buying decisions. Overall, Canadians are drinking less, particularly young people. Some are choosing lower alcohol options. Producers are constantly innovating to meet this changing demand, and convenience stores can and should be there to offer these choices to their customers. It’s what we do, and we are really good at it.

The experience in Ontario shouldn’t be ignored. No Premier would have moved forward if they believed the fear-mongering that alcohol would be way too accessible resulting in young people drinking more despite the proven track record of convenience stores as responsible retailers. 

Here’s a reality check: the sky did not fall in Ontario and nor will it in Nova Scotia. 

We encourage the Premier to support the industry that collects $476 million in government taxes while supporting communities, in good times and bad.

Let’s get the right adults in a room together so that Premier Houston can listen to what all Nova Scotians want and deserve. That way we can devise the best approach on adult beverages for the entire province rather than prioritizing the interests of some small businesses over others.

It doesn’t get any more local than your neighbourhood convenience store. And that’s a truth worth listening to.