Wine Kitz Atlantic

Hello,

Each month as part of this blog I will attempt to provide consumer-made wine industry information of interest to winemakers. Some of this information will directly relate to the Atlantic region, and other information will be more general in nature. Where possible I will include links to other wine-related websites which you may find interesting.

Enjoy!

Last month in my News from Nova Scotia section I mentioned that it had recently come to our attention that the Nova Scotia Liquor Control Act is being reviewed, and that many changes will be implemented. I also mentioned that I would share the numerous concerns I have with the potential changes to the NS Liquor Act, and the possible negative impact on our industry.

Below I have provided a list of current industry facts. I have also dusted off my crystal ball and offered several speculations on the NS government’s approach to in-store winery services.

FACTS

Fact: When the Nova Scotia Legislation sits in late October/early November, numerous changes to the NS Liquor Act will be announced.
Fact: Some of these changes will impact the NS Craft wine industry and in-store winery services.
Fact: As industry stakeholders, we are not opposed to change. Although we are cautious as to what we wish for, we invite fair licensing and legislation.
Fact: As industry stakeholders, we have asked to meet with the NS provincial government to discuss the impact of the impending changes (Letter to Minister | Response from Minister). To date, our invitation to meet has not been welcomed. Without industry input, we fear the worst.
Fact: As industry stakeholders, we wish to compete on a level playing field and offer fellow Nova Scotians the same services offered in many other Canadian provinces, including New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island.

SPECULATIONS

Worst Case Scenario: The NS provincial government will outlaw in-store winery service.
Speculating the government’s explanation: The possible negative impact that in-store services would have on Nova Scotia’s growing commercial wine industry.

2nd Worst Case Scenario: The NS provincial government will permit in-store winery service by implementing a large per litre tax/fee/levee for each wine batch made in-store.
Speculating the government’s explanation: A large fee is required to cover projected lost NSLC sales and to cover costs of new infrastructure to oversee in-store winery services.

Best Case Scenario: The NS provincial government would permit a licensed and legislated in-store winery service without applying any per litre fees. This would be in keeping with New Brunswick’s current business model.

2nd Best Case Scenario: The NS provincial government would permit a licensed and legislated in-store winery service with fair per litre fees for consumers. This would be in keeping with Prince Edward Island’s current business model.

Rumours abound that the NSLC will soon discontinue bottle-your-own-wine services offered in various NSLC locations across NS. Chances are they will attempt to lay blame on in-store winery services for the shortcomings of this program.

I have other speculations but do not wish to share them at this point due to not wanting to provide the government with other ideas on how to pull the rug out from under us.

Stay tuned, we will all soon learn the outcome of the revised NS Liquor Act.

~ Blair Sampson, Wine Kitz Atlantic