We asked, you answered

As has been reported over the past few months, the provincial government appears poised to announce changes to where alcohol can be sold in the province—with multiple sources saying that there have been ongoing conversations about expanding sales to convenience stores.

At the end of the day, it is up to citizens and our elected representatives to weigh the competing priorities of population health and convenience.

There are plenty of good arguments for and against—and you guys brought it. This was a closer poll than usual, with No way! leading the way.

Here are the official results:

And here are some of our favourite responses:

Sure! Drinkers are gonna drink and it’s good for local business.

Sure! Drinkers are gonna drink and it’s good for local business.

“NS is light years behind other provinces when it comes to Alcohol and Gaming laws. Alcohol should be paired with food and sold in Grocery stores. Wine and beer should be sold in all corner stores.”

“Way over due- the maritimes have been stuck in the purity past!”

“I’m currently in Europe and just left a conference where I was teased by the European delegates for the lack of access east of the Québec border. I honestly believe part of the drinking problem in Canada is the way we restrict alcohol. It becomes a forbidden fruit to be binged in excess once people turn 19, instead of something in the background like salt or pepper.”

“I’m anti drinking and driving. I believe if people have a choice to walk or drive after drinking. They will walk.”

“Why it would not be safe here when it is elsewhere? Are we as bad as this? I don’t think so! BTW, I never believe the fact that more places selling alcohol is bringing people to drink more.”

“Alcoholics will bet their fixes regardless of the accessibility.”

“Puritanical denial is no answer to a real problem. Counselling and addiction services make much more sense. How much of the government’s tax income from booze is going to these areas, anyway?”

“There are drive through beer stores open on Sunday and we think selling a bit of beer at a corner store is bad????”

“I just got back from Scotland and being a tourist I went into the local corner stores and grocery stores bought local beer and wine to have back in our room it was quite convenient. I do think tourist would benefit as I did on vacation.ð”

“The province could use the money, the public will appreciate the convenience.”

“I’m all for additional warnings similar to what we have for tobacco and cannabis and having it sold over the counter; at the end of the day the logistics make sense and forcing people to drive and/or order large quantities delivered to their door is a bit ridiculous. Alcohol is harmful in any quantity granted but I will gladly trade a couple years of DALY for a cold one at the end of a hot summer day busting my ass on a roof… Furthermore your survey questions are slanted as hell… to the point where I have to ask why even bother asking the question?”

“Those who drink in moderation will still do so.”

“For too long government has controlled what we can and can’t do in the name of public health. As someone who grew up in Quebec I am all in favour of convenience. People who drink too much can still drink too much today.”

No way! It’s just not safe for our province.

“The surgeon general has deemed no amount of alcohol healthy.”

“I too am a friend of Bill W. I think our drinking culture is out of control. We don’t need more access to alcohol. But sadly, money talks and the well-being of Nova Scotians will be the loser.”

“More people will be driving to the store When there booze runs out. They think they can drive, when they can’t. This could kill more innocent people on the roads.”

“NS already has a high rate of individuals who have a problem restricting their alcohol consumption. Easier access is only going to exacerbate that, especially with our vulnerable youth.”

“There are plenty of liquor stores throughout the province. There are too many impaired drivers on our roads already. Would love to see convenience stores be able to make more money but not this way. It increased the probability of theft and violence within the small convenience stores that cannot afford extra security.”

“You will have 16 yr old clerks in convenience stores selling to adults or more dangerously to their peers. They may be subjected to intimidation/bullying etc. Protocols would have to be strict.”

“Nova Scotia has a systematic problem with alcoholism. You think intimate partner violence, DUI is bad now…just wait until alcohol becomes easier to obtain. Dr Ham formerly PC premier of NS did a study about privatization. It was a no go back then. Timbit just wants to line the pockets of his friends. Once again profits over people. The NSLC current model is world renowned but many countries. So f**k off Tim.”

“Saw how it negatively affected in Ontario. No no no.”

“Besides the negative effects of alcohol no matter where it is sold if it goes in corner store or gas stations it places those minimum wage earners in more danger. Danger from drunk customers and/or increase in thefts of those facilities.”

“The more alcohol is available the more alcohol related harms will occur. If the Houston Gov’t and local wineries and breweries want more outlets, confine them to selling only Nova Scotia products. Most people either won’t drink them or can’t afford the price! ”

“I think alcohol sales in stores other than NSLC is terribly destructive to people’s health and society as a whole. Alcohol has taken the lives of a few friends through accidents and disease. Additionally, I feel sadness for those struggling with alcohol and that there is temptation beside so many grocery stores already. As you said though, profit is profit and so are alcohol taxes. I doubt government will do what’s best for people.”

“Cheap money grab that won’t work, and will – of course – ensure more in the way of health care cost in the near future!!!”

“I trust science and statistics on this one. Increased alcohol sales options/availability lead to increased alcohol sales, leads to increased alcohol consumption leads to increased health risks and related deaths and injuries due to alcohol consumption. Simple.”