New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt refuses to restock US alcohol on provincial liquor store shelves until she sees a finalized trade agreement that benefits the province. Ottawa recently asked premiers to lift these bans to help secure a trade deal with the Trump administration.

The Request from Ottawa

Prime Minister Mark Carney briefed provincial leaders this week and asked them to scrap any bans on US alcohol. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confirmed Carney told the premiers a trade deal with the Trump administration requires the return of US booze to store shelves.

While leaders from Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia agreed to the request in principle, New Brunswick remains a holdout.

New Brunswick Demands Tariff Relief

Holt wants the tariffs imposed last year removed before she considers any concessions. She stated her government holds out hope for a reduction in tariffs. If the final deal includes significant reductions in areas that matter to New Brunswickers, Holt says the province will do what it takes as part of Team Canada.

The prime minister is not demanding the immediate restocking of shelves before a deal is signed. He simply put the condition on the table for the ongoing negotiations.

The History of the Ban

The Holt government directed NB Liquor to stop importing products from the United States starting in February 2025. By March, workers removed US booze from store and grocery shelves across the province.

In May 2025, the province allowed the sale of US products to agents and licensees. These products then became available at the NB Liquor depot store in Salisbury in September 2025.

If the province updates its procurement policy to allow US imports again, customer demand will dictate the order volume. NB Liquor spokesperson Angela Bosse confirmed the logistics of bringing the products back pose no issue, though restocking store shelves will take time.

Will You Buy American Booze?

Even if US alcohol returns to your local NB Liquor, data shows you and your neighbors plan to leave it on the shelf. A recent Nanos poll shows nearly 70 percent of Canadians plan to avoid American alcohol if it returns to store shelves.

Local opinions remain mixed. Some residents refuse to purchase American products due to the current state of Canada and US relations. Others believe the government has no business telling consumers what they can and cannot buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did New Brunswick ban US alcohol?

The provincial government directed NB Liquor to stop importing US products in February 2025 in response to ongoing trade disputes and tariffs.

What does Premier Susan Holt want before lifting the ban?

Premier Holt wants to see a finalized trade agreement that includes a significant reduction in tariffs before she commits to restocking US alcohol.

Did other provinces agree to the Prime Minister’s request?

Yes. Premiers from several provinces, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, agreed in principle to lift their bans as a sign of good faith.

When will US alcohol return to NB Liquor stores?

The timeline remains unclear. The province must first agree to lift the ban, and NB Liquor says the physical restocking process will take additional time.