RANS Press Release
Published: November 25, 2024
Updated: July 13, 2026
2026 Liquor Regulation Updates
On June 1, 2026, several 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
Starting December 1, 2024, all licensees (licensed restaurants/bars/clubs) in Nova Scotia must ensure that all servers have completed a responsible alcohol service course in order to serve alcohol at any of the province’s licensed establishments.
Events like concerts and festivals, which are granted special occasion licenses, may also need their servers trained, depending on the size of the event and the risk involved.
Where To Access Training
There are two courses now recognized by Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel & Tabaco to deliver the required training regarding responsible alcohol service:
SafeCheck Responsible Alcohol Service
In this program you will be taught about alcohol and the law, types of licenses, duty of care, conflict management and more. The course can be completed from any device, including tablets, laptops, or mobile phones with a working front-facing webcam.
RANS members receive 25% discount on the SafeCheck course. Contact heather@rans.ca for more information
This program has been designed to help servers and staff to succeed in a dynamic market. People who serve or provide alcohol must understand their part in the industry’s response to this dynamic business environment.
Server and manager courses available and there is the option for in-person sessions.
Additional Information:
- There are 2400 licensed establishments in Nova Scotia impacted by the regulation
- Prior to the new regulation, permanent new licensees were required to take the responsible alcohol service training
- Prior Serve Right training completed by servers and/or managers may still be valid
- Reminder that cabaret liquor licenses require door staff to complete responsible alcohol service training
