When you run a growing business, every sale counts. A massive regulatory hurdle just cost a Maritime meadery thousands of dollars and left a New Brunswick festival scrambling.

Nova Scotia based Fireside Meadery prepared to deliver nearly 600 bottles of mead to the Shediac Renaissance Faire. Then they hit a wall. The Crown run liquor retailer, ANBL, stepped in and applied a markup of more than 100 per cent.

This unexpected fee pushed an $11,300 order to roughly $25,000. To make the math work, the festival organizers slashed their purchase to just 240 smaller bottles. This reduced the deal to a third of its original value.

According to a recent report from CBC News, the situation highlights ongoing interprovincial trade barriers right here in the Maritimes.

The Impact on Local Business

Connor Jeffreys told CBC News the experience was incredibly disappointing. The festival received less product and paid more for it. He noted the lost revenue directly impacts their ability to expand and produce more.

Maria Jeffreys described receiving the official quote as a gut punch.

Sébastien Després produces the Shediac Renaissance Faire. He prioritizes Atlantic Canadian products and was astounded by the markup. He told CBC News the situation feels counterproductive. He pointed out that Maritime provinces need to work together to survive broader trade wars and tariffs. He noted the irony of expecting free trade with American neighbours while lacking it between Maritime provinces.

How the Liquor Boards Compare

ANBL stated that fairs and festivals must purchase alcohol through the Crown corporation under the New Brunswick Liquor Control Act. They applied standard wine markups and noted fees are lower for a New Brunswick maker. They mandate support for in province producers.

If the roles were reversed, the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation handles things differently. A Nova Scotia festival buys directly from a New Brunswick producer. The producer only pays a retail sales markup allocation calculated at five per cent of the deemed producer cost. For an $11,300 sale, that fee equals about $320.

Calls for Change

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston noticed the issue. He called on premiers to stamp out this type of bureaucracy.

Maria Jeffreys believes Canadians need to unite and support local businesses across provincial borders. She says we should all be able to rise up together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mead?

Mead is the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world. Brewers make it using water, honey, and yeast. They often add fruits and spices for extra flavor.

Why did ANBL mark up the mead?

ANBL requires festivals to purchase alcohol through their system. They apply standard markups and offer lower fees to in province producers to support local New Brunswick businesses.

How does Nova Scotia handle out of province alcohol sales for festivals?

The NSLC allows festivals to buy directly from out of province producers. They charge a small five per cent markup allocation on the producer cost instead of a massive retail markup.