RANS Press Release
Published: May 29, 2026
In the fall of 2025, the Province announced new legislation to enhance safety in bars across Nova Scotia.
On May 27, the Province circulated a news release regarding new rules for bar security staff that take effect Monday, June 1, making Nova Scotia a Canadian leader in training and screening requirements.
“We are committed to initiatives that further the professionalization of security staff at bars and restaurants. We support the Province’s steps to prioritize safety and training for patrons and employees in the industry through this new legislation. When individuals have the resources and skills to do their jobs, it’s a win for everyone.”— Natasha Chestnut, Executive Director, Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia
Mandatory Door Staff Training
The Liquor Licensing Regulations have been amended to include requirements for in-house security employees (i.e. bouncers, door staff, etc.).
It is the responsibility of the permanent licensee to ensure all in-house security employees meet the following requirements:
- They have completed security and responsible alcohol service training programs approved by AGFT;
- They wear clothing (e.g., hat, shirt) that clearly identifies them as a security employee of the licensee while performing their duties;
- They are able to perform their duties of security in a way that will not compromise public safety; and
- They have provided results of a criminal record check showing a clean criminal record.
Please refer to the full licensee updates for more details.
BEST Training
All door staff must have basic security training. The online course can be completed for free using your MyNS account.
Alcohol Service Training
There are two courses recognized by Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel & Tobacco NS to deliver the required training regarding responsible alcohol service:
RANS Members get discount. Contact heather@rans.ca.
Background Checks
Criminal background checks can be completed at the following;
*Can also do fingerprint services.
Enforcement for Mandatory Security Staff Training
In our many conversations with AGFT, we have been advised that the approach will be similar to how the mandatory door staff training for cabarets (2023) and mandatory responsible alcohol service training (2024) were rolled out. The Province will take an educational approach to spread awareness and work with licensees to support them towards compliance.
Advocacy for the Industry
The Restaurant Association of NS has been working on several advocacy items with Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel & Tobacco (AGFT) and are pleased with amendments that will be beneficial to our industry, including;
- Infusion of liquor is now allowed under certain conditions document
- Allowing minors to serve in lounges until 10pm
- No longer needing to apply to AGTF to sell alcohol for take away (including mixed drinks), and;
- Establishments no longer need to apply to AGFT for approval of underage performer
These are positive steps to removing unnecessary red tape and easing regulatory burdens for businesses.
Effective June 1
In addition to mandatory security staff training, several other amendments have been made to the Liquor Licensing Regulations including;
- Requiring mandatory door/security staff training
- Monetary penalties for liquor licensing infractions
- In-house infusion of alcohol is now permitted
- Eating establishment or lounge licensees may now permit an employee under the age of 19 to serve, but not dispense, alcohol to a customer’s table when full meal service is available until 10pm
- AGFT approvals are no longer required for certain activities related to selling alcohol for take away
- Licensees have now been provided with specific criteria to allow the removal of patrons from licensed premises
Please reach out to the association if you have any questions and we are happy to assist. You may contact Danielle at danielle@rans.ca or 902-429-5343 ext.1.
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