David Coon, MLA/Député

Mr. Speaker, the sale of alcohol in New Brunswick represents a net-loss of provincial revenue. While alcohol revenue is substantial, the direct  social, judicial, and healthcare costs attributable to the overuse of alcohol exceed that revenue.  Yet government has no harm reduction strategy for alcohol. Alcohol containers are not required to bear health warning labels in New Brunswick. The sale of alcohol is increasingly being privatized through convenience stores and groceries.  International and national research unequivocally demonstrates that shifts towards privatization of alcohol sales leads to increased levels of alcohol consumption and that increased alcohol consumption increases the risks to health and safety, and increases government costs.