TIME TO OVERHAUL PROVINCIAL LIQUOR LAWS

There appears to be an effort to assist bars in their struggle to survive the economic woes of COVID-19.

One suggestion - allowing curbside takeaway cocktails - is a little surprising given that Nova Scotia is one of a dwindling number of provinces and states in North America with extremely conservative liquor laws. That we still don't allow grocery stores to sell at least wines and spirits in the 21st century is arcane.

Having to make separate trips to liquor stores in this time of lockdown and isolation is unconscionable, especially when such trips may be lengthy and may even involve leaving your home county, which may be illegal.

British Columbia is assisting pubs/ bars and lounge-related businesses by allowing owners to purchase all their alcoholic requirements at wholesale prices. This gives them the opportunity to attract more customers to their premises by passing on some of the savings (once restrictions are lifted).

In Nova Scotia, the price of a drink in licenced premises, when tax and tip is added, is around $10. This is ludicrous and is killing an industry when one can purchase the same drink at a liquor store for one-third the price. I have stopped drinking alcohol in restaurants because of ridiculously high prices as have thousands of others.

Just think, every drink consumed in licenced premises creates work for someone who is then paying income tax. If bought at the liquor store it leverages nothing. It's way past time for a major overhaul of liquor laws in Nova Scotia. Nicholas Roberts

Howie Centre