There's a new Liquor Act in the NWT

On August 23, 2007, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories assented to the new Liquor Act. The new Liquor Act represents the culmination of nearly three years of work, beginning in early 2005 with the Liquor Act Review.

Is the new Act in effect?

No. The new Liquor Act does not come into effect until the liquor regulations are revised. Until further notice, the existing Liquor Act and regulations are still the law.

When will the new legislation come into effect?

We estimate that the new Liquor Act and regulations will come into effect in the fall of 2008.

Drafting new legislation is a lengthy process. This work requires attention to detail to make sure each concept and word is legally appropriate and practical. A process to revise the regulations has been developed to organize this work.