Government of Nova Scotiagov.ns.ca
gov.ns.caGovernment of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia, Canada
 
Access Nova Scotia
Text Size:  A+ A-

Liquor

The responsibilities of the former Nova Scotia Liquor Licence Board were gradually assumed by the Alcohol & Gaming Division. 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 & 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 Licensing Regulations: sections 5 and 6.

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 Licensing Regulations: sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 9 and 69.

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 Licensing Regulations: sections 1, 2, 3 and 35.

Clubs

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

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licensing Regulations: sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 60.

Eating Establishment

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

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licensing Regulations: sections 5, 6, 12, 57, 58, 59, 70, 71 and 72.

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 fund raisers where liquor will be resold.

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

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

Pertinent Sections of Liquor Licensing Regulations: sections 36 to 43 inclusive.

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 Licensing Regulations: sections 5, 6 and 14.

Please note:

Adobe® Reader is required to open Portable Document Format (PDF) files.

If you do not have Adobe® Reader, you can download the program free of charge.

Get Adobe Reader