Question: What does the NSLC mandate mean to Nova Scotians?
Answer: The NSLC is governed by the Liquor Control Act (LCA) of Nova Scotia. This Act mandates the responsibilities of the NSLC to its shareholder, the people of Nova Scotia. The most fundamental element of the NSLC’s role derived from the LCA is that the NSLC is solely responsible for the receipt, distribution and control of all beverage alcohol available throughout Nova Scotia. In order to ensure the safe and responsible sale of alcohol, any products sold through NSLC stores, Agency Stores, Private Wine and Specialty Stores (PWSS), licensees, and private importations must be received through the NSLC. Through this mandate, the Government ensures that the product is available only to Nova Scotians of legal drinking age. The legislation also describes four other key responsibilities of the Corporation, specifically:
• Attainment of acceptable levels of customer service;
• Promotion of social objectives regarding responsible drinking;
• Promotion of economic objectives regarding the beverage alcohol industry in Nova Scotia
• Attainment of suitable financial revenue for the Government of Nova Scotia.
The NSLC strives to balance its legislated mandate between the control aspects of the products, providing the necessary financial returns to it’s shareholder and ensuring a high level of service to Nova Scotians.
Question: What is an Agency Store?
Answer: There are 54 Agency Stores in Nova Scotia, authorized by the NSLC. Agency Stores are operated by retailers in communities too small to support regular NSLC stores. Agency Stores compliment NSLC services; by making the purchase of beverage alcohol more convenient in rural areas.
Question: What is a Private Wine & Specialty Store?
Answer: The Private Wine and Specialty Store (PWSS) program was established to augment service and selection through wider choice and availability of wine and specialty products. PWSS offer selections not found in NSLC stores. The primary objectives of the PWSS program are:
• To provide consumers with increased access to wines in terms of the variety of products
• To provide consumers with additional services and information related to wine
• To provide entrepreneurial opportunities for small business in Nova Scotia.
• To provide consumers with increased access to wines in terms of the variety of products
• To provide consumers with additional services and information related to wine
• To provide entrepreneurial opportunities for small business in Nova Scotia.
Question: What is a Wine Basket?
Answer: A Wine Basket is a wine only NSLC store located inside a grocery store. This convenient concept allows customers to pair food and wines with ease.
Question: What are the NSLC’s sales and profit figures?
Answer: The NSLC recorded net income of $212.6 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, an increase of 7% over the $198.7 million recorded during the same time period last year. Gross sales rose 5.5% to $565.6 million this year compared to $536.4 million last fiscal year.
Question: How many products are carried at the NSLC?
Answer: The NSLC carries approximately 6,000 products from around the world. Marketplace trends and customer needs influence product listings.
Question: How can I locate a particular product?
Answer: There are a number of ways to find the product you are looking for. If a product is not available at your favourite store, speak to the Store Manager. Product searches can also be conducted on the NSLC’s website by visiting www.myNSLC.com, under ‘Find Products’. There, users have the ability to browse the NSLC Product Catalogue, locate a specific product and have the item transferred to a preferred destination.
Question: Does the NSLC have a customer service help line?
Answer: Yes. To contact the NSLC customer service help line dial locally,
(902) 450-5874 and out of area, (800) 567-5874.
Question: Who handles pricing inquiries?
Answer: Please forward pricing questions to the Retail Service Centre by emailing your inquiry to ContactUs@myNSLC.com.
Question: I have a question for the NSLC, who do I contact?
Answer: General inquiries should be directed to ContactUs@myNSLC.com.
Question: Does the NSLC regulate bars and restaurants?
Answer: No. Bars and restaurants are licensed under the Alcohol and Gaming Division. The Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming division can be contacted by visiting http://www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/agd/.
Question: Does the NSLC have an environmental strategy?
Answer: The NSLC call its environmental strategy ‘Cheers to Change’ which summarizes its commitment to reducing the impact business operations have on the environment. The NSLC is taking a close look at all elements of the business – everything from the elimination of plastic shopping bags in stores to an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on the NSLC’s commitment in this area, please visit www.myNSLC.com, top right side of the homepage under Corporate Responsibility.
Question: Does the NSLC support charitable organizations?
Answer: Yes. The NSLC proudly partners with the IWK Health Centre, The United Way and Symphony Nova Scotia. In addition to organized support, NSLC employees go above and beyond helping community organizations. Throughout the year NSLC employees can be found fundraising for various charities within their communities.
Question: What are NSLC retail store hours of operation?
Answer: The NSLC’s hours of operation vary by store. For more information, please call your favourite store or visit www.myNSLC.com, top right side of the homepage, under Store Locator for more information.
Question: The NSLC hosts a variety of special events. Where can I find the dates?
Answer: Please visit the updated event listings at www.myNSLC.com, top right side of the homepage, under Events.
Question: How do organizations apply for the Cash Can program?
Answer: The Cash Can program offers charitable organizations the opportunity to collect donations at NSLC cash lanes. For more information please go to www.myNSLC.com, from there select Corporate Responsibility located at the top right hand side of the page. Once in Corporate Responsibility, select Community Support from the left hand side navigation panel.
Question: Who do I contact to get approval to canvass outside a NSLC retail store?
Answer: Store canvassing opportunities vary from store to store. Please contact the Store Manager at your local NSLC store for more information.
NSLC Canvass Policy:
The NSLC policy regarding canvassing/solicitation is as follows: Canvassing activity is only permitted to community groups such as sports teams or non-registered charities. Organizations that are registered charities are no longer allowed to canvas in front of stores.
The following guidelines must be followed:
1. Canvassing is only permitted on Saturdays – maximum twice
monthly.
2. The Store Manager must approve all canvassing activity and
reserves the right to cancel bookings at anytime.
3. A charity/cause will only be permitted to participate, once every six
months.
4. Canvassers must not interfere with customers entering or leaving
the store and are not permitted to harass our customers in any
way. Canvassing is not permitted inside NSLC stores or in NSLC
parking lots.
5. Persons not abiding by the above rules will be requested to leave
NSLC premises immediately.
6. The charity/cause for the fundraising must be displayed clearly for
customers.
7. Solicitation must be conducted in a polite and business-like manner.
8. Supervision of children is mandatory. At least 1 adult per 2 minors
must be in attendance at all times (Minors are not permitted inside
NSLC stores).
9. Representatives of the organization must be appropriately dressed.
For more information on NSLC’s Cash Can program please visit www.myNSLC.com, under Corporate Responsibility, Community Support.
Question: I would like to purchase ‘bulk wine’ and bottle it myself. Does the NSLC offer this service?
Answer: Yes, it’s called ‘House Wine’. A variety of wines are available and customers can bottle and label their selections in-store. Locations that offer this service are as follows: Bayers Lake, Bridge Plaza, Portland Street, Amherst, New Glasgow, Truro, Port Hawksbury, Sydney River, Bridgewater, New Minus and Yarmouth.
Question: What is Finds?
Answer: Finds is an online community that offers users current information on all NSLC products including the option to post reviews, keep a wine journal and be a part of a group that is offered product promotions. With its recent launch, the Finds community comes to you – offering added value and increased communication tools to share opinions and get connected to the NSLC community. Join today!
Question: What do I do if I’m having problems with the new website functionality?
Answer: For assistance related to the NSLC website, please forward all inquiries to ContactUs@myNSLC.com.