Newfoundland's Beer Buying: What's The Legal Age?

Beer, wine, and spirits are sold at provincially-owned liquor store outlets in Newfoundland and Labrador. Beer made in the province is also available in various convenience stores. The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) is responsible for managing the sale and distribution of beverage alcohol in the province. Beer can be purchased daily, except from 2 am to 10 am. The only dates that sales are suspended are provincial or federal election days.

Beer sales in Newfoundland and Labrador on Canada Day

Beer sales in Newfoundland and Labrador are managed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC), a Provincial Crown Corporation. The NLC is responsible for the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages, including beer, in the province.

Beer made in Newfoundland and Labrador can be purchased at various convenience stores across the province. Additionally, liquor, beer, and wine are sold at provincially-owned liquor store outlets. These liquor stores carry an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including local and imported products.

In terms of the specific rules regarding beer sales on Canada Day, there are no restrictions on holiday sales. Beer can be purchased daily, except from 2 am to 10 am. The only date that beer sales are suspended is during a provincial or federal election day.

Therefore, visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador can expect to be able to purchase beer on Canada Day, as long as they adhere to the daily time restrictions. It is worth noting that some stores may have varied hours on holidays, so it is always a good idea to check with individual stores for their specific hours of operation.

Beer made in the province available in convenience stores

Beer made in Newfoundland and Labrador is available in various convenience stores, including corner stores and gas stations. The province's longstanding rule allows gas stations and convenience stores to sell domestic beer. This includes beers from two large local breweries, Labatt and Molson, and local brewery Quidi Vidi.

Quidi Vidi Brewing Co. is a completely local brewery that offers a selection of its beers in traditional Newfoundland-exclusive domestic glass bottles. With limited space, small retailers mainly sell the traditional "domestic" bottles and cans. Beers from Quidi Vidi include Iceberg, which is brewed using water from real icebergs and comes in a distinctive blue bottle. Other Quidi Vidi beers include Quidi Vidi Premium, which was discontinued around 2019, and a variety pack.

Other domestic beers exclusive to Newfoundland include Blue Star, India, Jockey Club, and Black Horse. Dominion Ale claims to be "for Newfoundlanders only," and its name comes from the province's official name, the Dominion of Newfoundland, used between 1907 and 1949 when it was under British rule.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) is a Provincial Crown Corporation responsible for managing the importation, sale, and distribution of beverage alcohol in the province. NLC outlets carry an extensive selection of spirits, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages, including locally produced options.

Provincial liquor store outlets

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) is responsible for the retail sale of beverage alcohol. The NLC is a Provincial Crown Corporation that manages the importation, sale, and distribution of alcohol and non-medical cannabis in the province.

The NLC operates 24 Liquor Store locations and 5 Satellite Store locations, offering a wide range of spirits, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages. These include locally produced and imported products. The NLC's retail stores are the most visible component of its operations, and all staff members are direct employees of the corporation.

In addition to its retail stores, the NLC also supplies 146 Liquor Express locations and over 1,400 licensees. Liquor Express stores are primarily located in rural areas and receive a commission from the NLC on their product sales. Licensees include bars, lounges, and restaurants that are licensed by the NLC to purchase and resell alcoholic beverages to customers.

The NLC's head office, distribution centre, and blending/bottling plant are located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The corporation employs 584 people and generated revenue of $329.4 million in the 2018-19 fiscal year.

The NLC's website provides a map and store locator feature to help customers find their nearest Liquor Store and Liquor Express locations.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC)

The NLC's wholesale operations supply 146 Liquor Express locations and over 1,400 licensees, including bars, lounges, and restaurants. The corporation is committed to progressive, passionate, and responsible service, with a vision of being dedicated to its customers and communities. It aims to generate revenue for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is reinvested for the benefit of the province's people.

The NLC is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, with a President and CEO responsible for day-to-day management. The corporation's head office, distribution centre, and blending/bottling plant are located in St. John's, providing employment to 584 individuals. The NLC is committed to social responsibility and actively promotes it in all areas of its business and with its stakeholders.

In addition to its retail and wholesale operations, the NLC plays a crucial role in regulating licensed establishments in the province. Its Regulatory Services division ensures compliance with relevant legislation, such as the Liquor Control Act and the Liquor Corporation Act. The NLC also investigates all faulty product claims and has the authority to discontinue products found to be unsafe.

The NLC sets the prices of alcoholic beverages, ensuring consistency across all retail channels. It follows a rigorous process where suppliers submit product quotes, and the NLC applies a markup to determine the final retail price. The corporation's role in managing the province's beverage alcohol industry extends beyond sales and distribution, as it actively promotes social responsibility and ensures compliance with regulations to create a positive impact on the community.

Liquor laws in Newfoundland and Labrador

The sale of alcohol in Newfoundland and Labrador is managed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC), a Provincial Crown Corporation. The NLC is responsible for the importation, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages and non-medical cannabis in the province. The NLC operates 24 liquor stores and 5 satellite stores, offering a wide range of spirits, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages from local and international sources. The NLC also supplies 146 Liquor Express locations and over 1,400 licensees, including bars, lounges, and restaurants.

The NLC's vision is to provide dedicated service to its customers and communities, with a focus on generating revenue for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The revenue is then reinvested for the benefit of the province's people. The NLC sets the prices of alcoholic beverages, which are consistent across all retail channels, and it also approves all retail promotions for alcoholic beverages in the province.

In terms of purchasing alcohol, beer made in Newfoundland and Labrador is available in various convenience stores, and liquor, beer, and wine can be purchased at provincially-owned liquor store outlets. Alcohol can be bought daily at any time except from 2 am to 10 am. Sales are suspended on provincial or federal election days, and on Canada Day.

Historically, Newfoundland and Labrador had a period of prohibition from 1917 to 1924, where beverages with an alcohol content of 2% or higher were banned. This ban was lifted in 1924, and the province has since established laws and regulations to manage the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.

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