Alcohol deliveries to Campobello Island are back on track. A bonded truck carrying over 1000 bottles of spirits faced a sudden halt at the Canada and United States border last week. Now Alcool NB Liquor confirms the issue is resolved and shipments have resumed.

Border Restrictions Halt Delivery

US Customs and Border Protection denied the truck entry at the St Stephen and Calais crossing. A spokesperson for the agency told CTV News the cargo fell under new restrictions.

“Under recent presidential proclamations that took effect on Sept 29 specific Canadian alcoholic beverages are restricted from entering or transiting through the territory of the United States,” the spokesperson said. “Because the cargo fell within the scope of these new restrictions, it could no longer proceed under its intended in bond transit status.”

Finding a Way to the Island

After the border refusal the truck took a detour. It boarded a provincial government ferry to Deer Island and then transferred to a privately run ferry to reach Campobello Island.

Alcool NB Liquor quickly looked for alternative delivery methods. On Monday an ANBL spokesperson confirmed the border situation was resolved. Deliveries of beverage alcohol to Campobello Island via Calais in Maine are flowing again.

Unique Access Challenges

Campobello Island presents unique travel hurdles. You can access the island year round by a bridge via Lubec in Maine. This route requires an 80 kilometre drive from the St Stephen and Calais border crossing. Alternatively you can take a seasonal ferry.

The private ferry that helped transport the delayed truck closes for the season on Oct 12 because it cannot handle rough winter waters. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt noted ongoing talks about extending the ferry season.

New Brunswick Southwest Member of Parliament John Williamson shared that the delivery truck travels to the island every weekday. It operates under a special Canada Border Services Agency licence to serve the island population of less than 1000 residents. The truck is sealed with a customs tag to guarantee it makes no stops. Alongside alcohol it carries Canada Post mail and items on the US banned import list like milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the alcohol shipment stopped at the border?
US Customs and Border Protection stopped the truck due to recent presidential proclamations restricting specific Canadian alcoholic beverages from transiting through the United States.

How did the truck eventually reach Campobello Island?
The truck bypassed the US border by taking a provincial ferry to Deer Island and then a private ferry directly to Campobello Island.

Are alcohol shipments to Campobello Island continuing?
Yes. Alcool NB Liquor confirmed the border issue is resolved and regular deliveries via Calais have resumed.

How do residents normally access Campobello Island?
Residents use a year round bridge connected to Lubec or rely on seasonal ferries from New Brunswick.