Wine Kitz Atlantic

THE SH@T STARTS HERE: BILL 120

Back in April 2010 I hired a lawyer to review the NS Liquor Act to determine if it was a viable business idea to offer in-store winery services at my existing Wine Kitz New Minas location. It was determined that based on the interpretation of various clauses in the Liquor it was somewhat of a grey area. Based on this information, one month later I commenced offering in-store winery services. As anticipated, this service has been well received by many consumers. To date we have processed in excess of 1100 wine batches and the popularity of making wines in-store continues to grow.

This new service has not sat well with the bureaucrats at the NSLC who are attempting to protect their liquor monopoly with an iron fist. In the 18 months that I been offering in-store winery services, twice I have been served with bogus Cease & Desist letters. Despite having a Federal Excise license clearly displayed on my store wall, I have also been accused of operating without a license. Lastly in their bullying tactics, the NSLC have contacted the two local radio stations and advised them that it would be in their best interest if they not allow me to advertise my in-store winery service on their stations.

Despite these attempts to have us discontinue our in-store winery service, we continue to offer Nova Scotians the same services afforded to consumers on PEI, in New Brunswick, Ontario and several other Canadian provinces.

Due to their failure in shutting down our service, on November 29th, the minister responsible for the NSLC, Graham Steele introduced a Bill in Legislature to further empower the NSLC. The Bill reads:

“The NSLC may apply to a judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia directly if there is reason to believe a person or business is likely to, or is continuing to, commit a violation of liquor legislation or regulations”.

The Bill is being pushed through under the guise of Public Heath & Safely. It’s my belief this Bill is being proposed to target businesses which offer in-store winery services. If this Bill is passed there is no doubt in my mind that within weeks, days or even hours, the vultures at the NSLC will be at my door with injunction in hand looking for their pound of flesh.

If served with an injunction to Cease & Desist my in-store winery services, I will have no other option but to abide by the law and await my day in court.

Many of you have regularly used our in-store winery service. In an attempt to continue this partnership I ask that you click on the link below, review proposed Bill 120, sign the letter and e-mail it to Premier Darrell Dexter. A listing of MLAs has also been provided for the same reason.

While visiting our website you may also want to read Diana Whalen’s take on Bill 120. If you feel obliged, a link has also been provided to contact the Halifax Herald. As noted on the website, hard copies of each letter will be mailed to Premier Darrell Dexter.

http://uvintns.ca/

Thank you in advance for your support.

Blair Sampson
Owner/Operator
Wine Kitz New Minas