N.B. government looks to knock down alcohol trade barriers with legislation amendment

Alcohol at an NB Liquor store is pictured.

The New Brunswick government is aiming to let the booze flow freely between the provinces with a new legislation amendment.

The Liberals have introduced amendments to the Liquor Control Act that would allow consumers to buy alcohol directly from provinces and territories. The changes would also eliminate personal exemption limits on liquor for people entering New Brunswick.

“The proposed amendments will provide consumers a larger selection of Canadian products to choose from, while New Brunswick producers will benefit by selling their products to other jurisdictions,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin in a news release.

The Liquor Control Act regulates the manufacturing, consumption, selling and possession of alcohol in the province.

Interprovincial trade barriers have become a hot topic amid the ongoing trade war with the United States. Last month the Nova Scotia government introduced the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act, which seeks to get rid of additional fees or testing requirements for goods manufactured or produced in reciprocating provinces and territories.

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