Emco Corporation, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

The NSLC story begins in the late 1920’s – when Nova Scotians voted in favour of retailing beverage alcohol. This movement paved the way for the establishment of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission on May 1, 1930.

Back in the day, shopping at the NSLC wasn’t the kind of experience that it is today. Stores resembled banks with sales clerks behind metal wickets and having a personal liquor permit was the only way to obtain any kind of beverage alcohol. Browsing was unheard of. Special offers were non-existent. Back then, stores were oddly discreet without exterior signage; the outlets were sterile and uninviting. A far cry from the NSLC we know today. Despite the disadvantages, by the end of 1930, the NSLC had grown to 33 stores across the province.