Halifax, June 3, 2025 - As Nova Scotia reviews its alcohol retail framework, 77% of small businesses in Nova Scotia support allowing convenience and grocery stores to sell alcohol, according to research by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
“This is less of a groundbreaking move and more so getting Nova Scotia to the same level as the majority of Canadian provinces,” said Duncan Robertson, CFIB Director of Legislative Affairs for Nova Scotia. “If we look across Canada, or even here in the Atlantic, most provinces allow some form of private retailers beyond agency stores. 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.”
CFIB research reveals that Nova Scotia lags behind the national average in Retail Alcoholic Beverage Outlet Density and would need 167 more retail locations for consumers to have the same level of access as the average Canadian. In provinces like Ontario, where alcohol sales have been expanded to grocery and convenience stores, their Ministry of Finance estimates improving opportunities for one-stop shopping could save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars annually1.
“Adding more private retailers, many of whom would be small businesses, would not just give consumers more choice and improve competition but also provide local producers more shelf space and improved market access, something that is sorely needed according to a report authored by the Auditor General in 20212,” Robertson added.
Additionally, 78% of small businesses have also indicated their support for some portion of shelf space to be used for local producers if the province moves to allow private retailers.
CFIB recommends that the Government of Nova Scotia modernize the province’s current retail model by:
- Following Ontario’s recent decision to allow alcoholic beverages that do not exceed 7.1% abv to be sold at convenience stores and grocery stores.
- Ensuring that small businesses such as convenience stores are included as those able to sell alcoholic beverages.
- Including local producers in the wholesale inventory and these producers have the ability to ship directly to convince stores and local grocers.
- Reducing unnecessary regulatory burden and addressing inefficiencies that increase costs for producers.
*1 The Ontario Ministry of Finance estimates the value of time saved by being able to buy alcohol while shopping for other items could be up to $250 million per year.
*2 Office of the Auditor General of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation – Phase II, May 25, 2021.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Duncan Robertson, CFIB
Director, Legislative Affairs, Nova Scotia
(902) 580-4538
Duncan.Robertson@cfib.ca
Methodology
CFIB Your Voice Survey - February 2024, was conducted online February 8-21, 2024. A total of 3,762 CFIB members who are owners of Canadian independent businesses, from all sectors and regions of the country answered the question above. For comparison purposes, a probability sample with the same number of respondents would have a margin of error of +/- 1.6%, 19 times out of 2.
Retail Outlet Density calculated using Statistics Canada data to determine the number of retail establishments selling alcoholic beverages per 10,000 people 18 years old and over
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members across every industry and region, including over 4,200 in Nova Scotia. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
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