RANS Initiatives & Accomplishments
Since it’s inception as the Nova Scotia Foodservice & Restaurant Association in 1947, the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia has been a voice for the industry.
Premier Meeting - RANS has developed a long-term relationship with the office of the Premier. We have two private meetings a year, during which we discuss three or four core issues, with a focus on moving the agenda forward. This has been very helpful to our sector and has created a good working relationship with successive governments.
Regulatory Issues - RANS has a strong presence within government departments & agencies that impact our sector. We are on a one-on-one basis with key officials and are always consulted prior to any new changes or revisions to current regulations.
2026 Advocacy Efforts
Current initiatives that RANS is advocating for:
- Increase the licensee discount on alcohol from 10% to 15%
- Discounts/incentives for operators when purchasing local product
- Various amendments to the liquor licensing regulations, such as permitting batching & infusion
- Continued efforts to improve access to immigration pathways for the industry
- Support of federal lobbying by Restaurants Canada on permanent removal of GST/HST from restaurant meals
- Supporting Canadian International Workforce Program (CIWP)
- Joining forces with other associations to advocate for business supports for those impacted by prolonged construction
- Initiatives to enhance patron safety with bar operators
- Formation of a Halifax Entertainment District for Downtown Halifax operators
- General reduction of red tape on the municipal and provincial level for restaurant business owners
RANS Accomplishments
Liquor Regulation Update
2026
In 2026, Alcohol & Gaming Department reviewed several Liquor Regulations on the behest of RANS and our partners. The regulations that we were able to promote included;
Reduce Red Tape for establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for takeaway and to allow minors to perform at licensed establishments.
Liquor Infusions allowed to be prepared in establishments with documentation.
Door Staff Training ensuring that door staff (aka bouncers) have de-escalation training and understand Nova Scotia liquor laws in addition to requiring criminal background checks.
Permit Consistency across several liquor license permits
Patio Initiative
2021
Patio Grant - RANS, with support from ACOA, has offered grants to support the seasonal extension of patios for dine-in restaurants across Nova Scotia. The total project approved funding was $200,000. This was to support restaurants re-opening safely post Covid-19 pandemic.
Pet Friendly Patios – RANS promoted the decision for dogs on patios as a way to help encourage more customers to dine out on patios.
Alternatives for Responsible Alcohol Service Training
2024
RANS advocated for additional cost effective training facilitators to be approved for the Nova Scotia Responsible Alcohol Service certification. There are now two approved Nova Scotia Alcohol Service certification providers; Safecheck.com and Serve Right.
Third Party Alcohol Delivery
2023
Advocated the province to continue the Third Party Alcohol Delivery initiative after the pandemic. RANS and our partners were successful in getting it amended into the Nova Scotia Liquor License Regulations.
Covid-19 Initiatives
2020
During the pandemic, RANS had many initiatives to protect and support restaurants during closures and after the reopening.
- Suspended membership fees during the height of the pandemic and offered flexible payment options when invoicing restarted in September 2021.
- Sent out daily and then weekly bulletins with crucial information.
- Hosted webinars on critical topics to support businesses throughout the pandemic.
- Offered a contract tracing platform with SimplyCast to dine-in restaurants, free of charge during the pandemic.
- Secured third party delivery of alcohol with take-out orders throughout the pandemic.
- Secured take-out and home delivery of mixed drinks with food throughout the pandemic.
- Launched a Consumer Confidence Campaign to support the industry and encourage dine-in eating.
