New N.S. training requirements to improve safety at bars and restaurants serving alcohol

Nova Scotia – All bar staff serving people at Nova Scotia’s 2,400 licensed bars and restaurants, as well as some festivals, will soon require training in how to serve alcohol safely.

“Ensuring that the staff who work at our licensed establishments are trained in responsible alcohol service will help improve safety,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Colton LeBlanc.

Starting Dec. 1, licensees must ensure that all servers have completed a responsible alcohol service course in order to serve alcohol at any of the province’s licensed establishments.

Events like concerts and festivals, which are granted special occasion licences, may also need their servers to be trained, depending on the size of the event and the risk involved.

In May 2023, the Province announced that all cabaret security staff would need to have security training and provide a criminal record check on request.