A re-elected Liberal Government will modernize New Brunswick’s Liquor Control Act in order to expand the sale of beer, wine, and alcohol to retail outlets such as convenience stores, and allow the practice of “bring your own bottle of wine” at more restaurants.

“To create more opportunities here in New Brunswick, we will give consumers more choice and flexibility,” said Liberal Party Leader Brian Gallant today.

This modernization of the Liquor Control Act will create new opportunities for traditional, local licensed restaurants and pubs where food is served, such as allowing customers to bring their own bottles or purchase products to go.

Gallant also added that a Liberal Government will work with local producers and entrepreneurs from the distillery, brewery, and wine industries to update laws and provide more flexibility and opportunities for growth.

Earlier in this campaign, Gallant announced other measures aimed at creating more jobs and opportunities in New Brunswick, such as doubling investments in the Youth Employment Fund, enhancing the Free Tuition and Tuition Relief for the Middle Class programs, eliminating interest on provincial student loans, increasing infrastructure investments by $150 million, appointing a minister responsible for small business to oversee initiatives like the reduction of red tape and better access to capital, and adding two years and $25 million to the province’s Tourism Growth Strategy.

The Gallant Liberal Government developed the multi-year New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, which aims to grow the economy and create job opportunities for New Brunswick citizens. This plan focuses on strategic investments in infrastructure, in the responsible development of New Brunswick’s natural resources, in fostering innovation within traditional industries as well as emerging ones like cyber security, in supporting small businesses, in developing a skilled workforce, and in boosting growth sectors like tourism.

Over the past four years:

• Government contributed to the creation of 15,000 jobs;
• The economy has grown every year compared to retraction under the Conservatives;
• The unemployment rate has gone from 10.1 percent to 8.3 percent;
• As of 2017, New Brunswick has the largest population in its history; and
• Government surpassed deficit targets due to our economy growing faster than the private sector has predicted, and the auditor general has confirmed that government has a budget surplus in New Brunswick for 2017-18.