Latest news with #alcoholsales
CBC
an hour ago
- Health
- CBC
Groups begin lobbying N.S. government over potential booze sale changes
With the provincial government launching consultation on whether to expand sales points for alcohol in Nova Scotia, interested parties are not waiting for a phone call. Organizations on both sides of the issue have started issuing news releases and open letters to Finance Minister John Lohr, whose department is overseeing the process. Lohr announced last week that Infuse Public Relations and Crestview Strategy will collectively manage the public opinion polling of 1,500 random people and stakeholder engagement with 194 groups. The contract for the work is worth $300,000. A news release this week from the Atlantic division of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said 77 per cent of small businesses in Nova Scotia support allowing convenience stores and grocery stores to sell alcohol. "This moment is the government's chance to support local retailers at a time when over six in 10 are experiencing lower demand, and provide much-needed shelf space to local producers," Duncan Robertson, the federation's director of legislative affairs, said in the release. Small businesses supportive, doctors concerned The CFIB's recommendations include allowing the sale of beverages that do not exceed alcohol by volume of 7.1 per cent in convenience and grocery stores — similar to steps taken in Ontario — and opening those rules to all small businesses, not just large retailers. Nova Scotia already permits alcohol to be sold in some private wine and specialty stores, in on-site stores at breweries and wineries, and farmers' markets. Lohr also received an open letter this week from a group of 14 doctors who specialize in addiction medicine, urging the government not to expand alcohol sales because it would increase consumption and "worsen individual and societal harms." "Every day we care for patients and families suffering from alcohol use disorder and medical complications of alcohol use," the letter said. "Alcohol causes more than 500 deaths, 5,000 hospital admissions, and 35,000 emergency department visits in Nova Scotia each year, and creates more health care and social costs to our province than any other substance." The doctors went on to say that revenue earned through taxation on alcohol sales does not compensate for society-wide costs of health harms, violence and driving accidents attributable to alcohol. They wrote that alcohol is already widely available in Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation retail and agency stores. "It is crucial that the government keeps control of alcohol distribution to minimize further public costs and health harms," they said. Finance Department officials said 194 groups are included in stakeholder engagement so far. That includes 126 craft breweries, wineries and distillers, along with another 11 groups or agencies also in favour of opening things up, such as the Retail Council of Canada. Jim Cormier, the group's Atlantic director of government relations, said members have been looking at this issue particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. "They've been looking at any way to try and get more people to get away from online shopping, using their smartphones to shop, and get them to come out to go into bricks-and-mortar stores," he said in an interview. No winners or losers Cormier said there can be extended benefits for the local economy by getting people into retail stores where it's possible to cross-promote Nova Scotia craft beer, wine and spirits with other products, such as cheese, berries and glassware. "Obviously it would be more than just Nova Scotia products, but that's the pitch we're making," he said. Potential expansion of alcohol sales concerns N.S. doctors 2 days ago Duration 4:59 Council members are looking for things to be as open as possible so there are no winners or losers, said Cormier. "If you're in a rural community and there happens to be a hardware store and they think that they could make a case that they could sell beer and do so in a responsible manner and meet all the rules and regulations, why shouldn't they be allowed to at least apply to do that?" Dr. Kirstin Weerdenburg, a pediatric emergency physician and a trauma team leader at the IWK Health Centre, said it is vital that the government not make any changes without first speaking to the people responsible for caring for those most impacted by alcohol. Talk to caregivers During her 10 years working in Nova Scotia since moving from Ontario where she also practised medicine, Weerdenburg said she's seen an increase in the number of young people presenting to the emergency department with intoxication. Data needs to be reviewed under the current regulatory regime to understand what's happening before access is expanded, she said. "I do start to get more concerned nowadays, if kids have more access, what their futures will look like." Weerdenburg is also a member of the Nova Scotia Alcohol Policy Coalition, which recently wrote to the government outlining its concerns. The group is one of several dozen representing interests related to health care, intimate partner violence prevention, addictions and marginalized communities slated to be consulted. Although the stakeholder list does not include Nova Scotia Health, the IWK Health Centre or Public Health, a Finance Department spokesperson said the three agencies would be consulted as part of an internal engagement process for government departments.
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Texas Legislature passes landmark alcohol ID law inspired by grieving mother
A bill requiring electronic ID readers at grocery and convenience stores that sell alcohol is now just a signature away from becoming law in Texas – a move being hailed as one of the most transformational changes to the state's liquor laws in three decades. A mother's mission begins Stephens family The legislation, which passed on the final full day of the 2025 session, was driven by Charlotte Stephens, a Richardson mother whose 18-year-old son, Deshawn, died in a 2022 car crash after purchasing alcohol without being asked for identification. "Amen. Right. It's unbelievable," Stephens said after learning the bill had passed. "Oh, he would be so proud. So proud. Yep. That's it. All the time. That is great." Three years of advocacy Stephens spent the past three years advocating for stricter alcohol sales enforcement. Her efforts culminated in Senate Bill 650, which mandates the use of electronic ID scanners to verify age at points of sale. "When the conference committee voted and passed this after the House of Representatives, after the Senate - I was just there. I mean, there's just no words," Stephens said. A tragic turning point Deshawn's death in April 2022 became a rallying point for reform. He had purchased alcohol from a Dallas convenience store without showing ID before crashing his car. "I'm begging you, do something," Stephens said in a previous plea to lawmakers. Her advocacy gained bipartisan support, including from Democratic State Sen. Royce West and Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "We're sending a strong message," Patrick said. "If you're selling liquor, you need to be sure no 21 is buying it." Bill named for Deshawn The bill, named in honor of Deshawn, was among the final measures approved this session. "Just a heart full of gratitude, honestly," Stephens said. "Just a heart full of gratitude and appreciation." Lawmakers reflect on impact In a statement to CBS News Texas, West said: "I am gratified that SB 650 has passed into law. This bill's success was very much thanks to one determined mother who wanted to save lives after a tragedy befell her son." Work still continues While Stephens is celebrating the bill's passage, she says her work isn't done. "Tell her thank you for being an advocate for this particular bill," one supporter said. A mother's lasting grief Back home in Richardson, Stephens is surrounded by reminders of her son - and the cause she championed in his name. "Parents expect the garage door to go back up. They expect you to return home," she said. "And that didn't happen for me. And it's not okay. I want to be clear about that. It's not okay."
CBC
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Convenience store group supports N.S. alcohol sales
The Nova Scotia government is considering allowing alcohol to be sold in corner stores. Mike Hammoud, the Atlantic vice-president of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada, explains why he supports the idea and how it could be financially beneficial.
CBC
29-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Nova Scotia to survey public on expanding retail sale of alcohol
Nova Scotia has announced a month-long public survey as it considers expanding alcohol sales to various retail outlets like corner stores. Finance Minister John Lohr says examining how alcohol is sold and consumed makes sense as the province moves to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. The province will survey 1,500 Nova Scotians over the age of 19 starting this week. It will also gather feedback on the types of stores where alcohol can be sold, locations where people can drink alcohol and health considerations related to any changes. Alcohol is currently served at over 300 retail locations in the province. They include Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation stores, private wine and specialty stores and on-site stores at breweries, wineries and farmers markets.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New Florence votes to allow alcohol sales in the borough
New Florence residents vote to approve alcohol sales throughout the borough New Florence residents vote to approve alcohol sales throughout the borough New Florence residents vote to approve alcohol sales throughout the borough New Florence residents voted to approve alcohol sales in the borough — something that hasn't been allowed since the 1930s. "Oh, we were all so excited," said Becky Ritchey, who has owned C&T Pizza for over 25 years. Ritchey is stoked that she'll be able to have alcohol alongside the sodas and the lottery machines. "They would say, 'OK I got my pizza, where's my beer?'" Ritchey said. "Well, we don't have any. It's a dry town." About 64% of New Florence voters said yes to allowing alcohol sales Tuesday. That's 70 of 109 total votes. "There was a few that were unsure of the idea," Ritchey said. Council President Jason Beatty was concerned about low turnout. That was a problem when people in New Florence tried it in the 80s. "It lost by single-digit votes because nobody came out to vote in the primary," Beatty said. New Florence was one of four partial or completely dry municipalities in Westmoreland County. It now leaves the boroughs of Hunter and Madison, along with Washington Township. "It just needed to happen," Beatty said. Beatty said he thinks the passed referendum is good for bringing revenue and events to the community. "Say the fire department would have a car show — they would be able to get a special occasion license from the LCB," Beatty said. For Ritchey, she's excited at the chance this presents. "It's gonna bring a lot more people to the area just to get beer and pizza," Ritchey said.
