A week prior to delivering nearly 600 bottles of mead to a Renaissance fair in New Brunswick, Nova Scotian entrepreneurs Connor and Maria Jeffreys from Fireside Meadery encountered an unexpected regulatory hurdle. The New Brunswick Crown-run liquor retailer (ANBL) planned to increase the price of their product by over 100%, escalating the initial $11,300 order to around $25,000. Consequently, the Shediac Renaissance Faire had to reduce their purchase to 240 smaller bottles to align with the inflated cost.
The traditional alcoholic beverage, mead, crafted from honey, water, and yeast with potential fruit and spice additions, holds the title of the oldest alcoholic drink globally. Fireside Meadery, facing a setback due to the increased price, operates on self-funding for its expansion into a larger facility and felt the impact of every lost sale keenly.
Expressing disappointment, Connor mentioned the significant financial impact the situation had on their budding business’s growth prospects. The heightened pricing not only reduced the festival’s order but also posed a challenge for Fireside Meadery’s expansion and production capabilities.
Sébastien Després, the executive producer of the Shediac Renaissance Faire, emphasized the importance of supporting Atlantic Canadian products. He expressed surprise at the markup, stating the need for provinces to collaborate better, especially in the Maritimes, to overcome obstacles like these hindering local trade.
In response to the situation, the Nova Scotia Premier, Tim Houston, expressed his concern, highlighting the need to address such bureaucratic issues promptly. He emphasized the necessity for unity and cooperation among provinces to support local businesses and overcome trade barriers.
Additionally, the article discussed the regulatory requirements in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia regarding alcohol purchases for festivals and events. The ANBL cited the Liquor Control Act, requiring such transactions to go through the Crown corporation. Conversely, the NSLC in Nova Scotia outlined a more streamlined process, allowing direct purchases from producers for festivals without the need for additional markups.
Both the Jeffreys and Després called for greater efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses and fostering collaboration among provinces for collective growth and prosperity.