Liquor

The responsibilities of the former Nova Scotia Liquor Licence Board were gradually assumed by Alcohol and Gaming. These responsibilities include processing liquor licence applications and enforcing the Liquor Control Act.

The general public is likely most familiar with the liquor processes of Alcohol and Gaming through applications for Special Occasion Licences. These licences permit alcohol for such activities as festivals, weddings, fund-raisers, and community celebrations.

Licences

Beverage Room

Anyone who wants to operate a pub style facility in Nova Scotia serving beer and wine only (no hard liquor).

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 27 to 30 inclusive.

Licence Details
Beverage Room Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 144k)

Cabaret

Anyone who wants to provide liquor service for a “large scale” establishment in Nova Scotia featuring high-quality live entertainment. (“Large scale” usually means capacity above 400 people)

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 39 to 42 inclusive.

Licence Details
Cabaret Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 136k)

Catering

Anyone who holds an Liquor Licence: Eating Establishment, and who wants to provide food and liquor service for events held outside of their own premises, but located in their city, town, or municipality.

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 35 to 38 inclusive.

Licence Details
Catering Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 15k)

Club

Any organizations with club facilities that want to provide liquor service for members and their guests.

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 43 to 46 inclusive.

Licence Details
Club Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 121k)

Eating Establishment

All restaurants in Nova Scotia that want to provide beer, wine and other liquors to accompany meals.

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 22 to 26 inclusive.

Licence Details
Eating Establishment Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 145k)

Lounge

Anyone who holds a Liquor Licence: Eating Establishment in Nova Scotia, and who also wants to provide an “all products” liquor service, with or without food service.

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 31 to 34 inclusive.

Licence Details
Eating Establishment & Lounge Liquor Licence Application (PDF: 58k)

Special Occasion

Anyone who wishes to provide liquor service at private functions such as weddings, anniversaries, banquets where liquor is given away.

Groups who wish to provide liquor service for private or public events to be used as community fundraisers where liquor will be resold.

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 60 to 65 inclusive.

Licence Details
Special Occasion Licence Application (PDF: 96k)

The following list outlines requirements needed prior to issuance of a Special Occasion Licence for an outdoor event:

Licenced area will be restricted to a tent, or suitably enclosed area (i.e. area must be enclosed by minimum 4' fencing
Provincial Fire Marshal's approval is required whenever a tent is being used
A diagram or sketch of the location where the event will be held, showing tent/enclosed area, washrooms, etc.
If an admission is being charged, the applicant is responsible to obtain a Place of Amusement Licence from Alcohol & Gaming

Special Premises: Anyone who wants to provide liquor service but whose nature of business does not allow them to qualify for any of the other forms of liquor licensing. This form of licensing is usually restricted to community facilities and hotels.; Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licence Board Regulations: Part VI, sections 60 to 65 inclusive.; Licence Details; Please contact the AGA directly for application information.