Jurisdictional Overview
About liquor in the Northwest Territories (NWT)
There are seven retail liquor stores in the NWT. The stores are operated by private contractors under contract to the Northwest Territories Liquor & Cannabis Commission (NTLCC). The contractor supplies the facility, staff, and all instore fixtures and material handling equipment.
The NTLCC owns all the liquor inventories as well as the hardware and software used in store operations and sets all the retail prices. The contractor is paid a monthly commission fee based on sales.
In 2018, liquor sales in the NWT were $53.5 million dollars (53,500,000).
As a division of the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Finance, the NTLCC is responsible for the purchase, sale, classification and distribution of liquor and cannabis in the NWT.
The NTLCC operations are governed by the NWT Liquor Act, the Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Act and the Revolving Funds Act.
The NTLCC collects a markup from the sale of liquor in the NWT and remits it to the General Revenue Fund (less expenses). In 2018/19, the NTLCC transferred $24.7 million to the fund.
For more information about liquor in the NWT, visit https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca
Listing process
How do I introduce new products into the NWT?
New product listings are the responsibility of the purchasing department of the NTLCC. The NTLCC contact information is:
Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Suite 201, 31 Capital Drive
Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
Office: 867-874-8700
Fax: 867-874-8720
Do I need a registered liquor agent to represent me?
No, the NTLCC does not require agents to be registered.
Labelling and packaging requirements
What are the labelling and packaging requirements in the NWT?
All liquor products sold in the NWT must meet the Canadian labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages and be in safe containers and packaging.
Laboratory testing requirements
What are the laboratory testing requirements in the NWT?
There are no laboratory testing requirements for liquor products sold in the NWT. However, the NTLCC retains the right to request a sample for analysis.
In addition, the NTLCC investigates all faulty product claims. Products found to be unsafe may be discontinued.
Pricing components
What components make up the price of liquor in the NWT?
The following components make up the price of liquor sold in the NWT.
- Landed cost (cost + freight)
- Liquor mark-ups (vary by category)
- Contractor commission fees
- Administration fee (cost to operate the NTLCC)
- Deposit, re-cycle fees and GST
Sales channels and distribution
How does the sale and distribution of liquor products work in the NWT?
The NTLCC is the only legal importer of record for liquor in the NWT. The NTLCC purchases products from suppliers and ships them directly to the retail locations and sets the retail selling price.
Marketing and promotion policies
What are the rules for the marketing and promotion of liquor products in the NWT?
All marketing and promotion of liquor products sold in the NWT must be approved by the NTLCC.
Licensing requirements
Do I need a liquor licence to sell liquor in the NWT?
Yes, to sell liquor in the NWT, you must have a liquor license. The NWT Liquor Licensing Board is responsible for the issuing of all liquor licenses and special occasion permits.
For more information or to apply for a liquor license visit: https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/nwt-liquor-licensing-board
Relevant legislation, regulations and policies
What rules apply to me?
All activities related to the sale, consumption, importation, manufacture, possession, storage and distribution/use of liquor in the NWT must be undertaken in accordance with the NWT Liquor Act and the NWT Liquor Regulations.
General contact
Whom can I contact for more information?
Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Suite 201, 31 Capital Drive
Hay River, NT X0E 1G2
Office: 867-874-8700
Fax: 867-874-8720