FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Public Safety will hold consultation sessions with stakeholders this month to receive input about modernizing the Liquor Control Act.

The act, in place since 1961, governs all aspects of liquor control, sales and licensing in the province.

“A number of amendments have been made to the act in the past, but there has not been a full review in several years,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Robert Trevors. ‘Our stakeholders have clearly stated that they feel it is outdated and does not reflect today’s standards and trends.”

The consultation process will help the provincial government modernize the act in order to reduce barriers to industry stakeholders, improve the framework for licensing and enforcement, promote responsible consumption and reduce the risk to the public.

“It is time for a full review,” Trevors said. “I know our stakeholders will have excellent ideas on how to make the Liquor Control Act meet modern needs.”

Consultation sessions will be held with stakeholders such as NB Liquor, hospitality industry representatives, liquor licensees, industry associations, breweries, wineries, distilleries and other partners. The sessions are open to the public, and anyone is welcome to attend.

The consultation sessions will each begin at 1 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

●    Tuesday, June 5 – Fredericton, K.C. Irving Theatre, Hugh John Flemming Forestry Complex, 1350 Regent St.
●    Thursday, June 7 – Edmundston, Republic Room, Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre, 100 Rice St.
●    Tuesday, June 12 – Saint John, Howard Johnson Fort Howe Plaza and Convention Centre, 10 Portland St.
●    Thursday, June 14 – Moncton, Kent Room, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1005 Main St.

Those who would like to send comments in writing can submit them by email to [email protected].