Update on Regulatory Changes for the

Nova Scotia Tourism Industry 

Dear Industry Partner:

This week, the Nova Scotia government announced two regulatory changes that are of particular importance to the Accommodation and Food and Beverage Sectors of the Tourism Industry.

The first involves a new fee structure related to Short Term Rental Registrations. TIANS has been a strong advocate for fair regulation around this important issue. We are pleased to see the provincial government establish a stronger regulatory regime that will require registration, payment of fees and penalty for non-compliance.  We understand additional details will be forthcoming over the next few weeks and will continue to post information at TIANS.org under latest news.

The other important news update is that Responsible Beverage Service training will be mandatory for all staff involved in the sale and service of alcohol of licensed businesses as of December 1, 2024. This is a significant step forward, as Nova Scotia was one of the few remaining jurisdictions in Canada that had not moved to mandatory status for staff training. This new approach builds shared responsibility for individuals wanting to work in the sector and business owners to have the appropriate policies in place to ensure responsible practices and mitigate risks in the service of alcohol.

Working with our Industry partners and relevant agencies, the Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council has just completed an update to the program that includes current regulations, the latest case law and best practices. To support access for Industry, the program fees have been significantly reduced for both Servers and Managers. 

Additional information on both of these regulatory changes is below. 

Results from our recent Business Confidence Survey are being finalized and we will include a summary in your next bulletin.  Initial feedback has highlighted some notable trends including growing price sensitivity and shorter booking patterns; reported increase in US visitors; concerns regarding the new 3% Levy fees being applied randomly throughout Nova Scotia; and consumer expectations around quality for price noted.  These are some of the early responses and we will continue to monitor industry confidence over the next few months. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support.  Please be in touch if we can help you.. We can be reached at: (902) 423-4480 or email us at tians@tourism.ca. 

Sincerely,

The TIANS Team

NEW REGULATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS AND TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS

Nova Scotia has changed the regulations for operating short-term accommodations. Effective September 30, all short-term rentals (STR), including tourist accommodations, must be registered under the new Short-Term Rentals Registration Act (STRRA). 

Changes include:

·        New host categories and registration rates

·        New requirements for registration

·        Increased fines for not following the rules

Registration fees for Traditional Tourist Accommodations, (Accommodations that have traditionally served tourists like hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts) are not increasing.

Rates for rooms in a primary residence (i.e. guest rooms), personal vacation homes and unusual lodgings (i.e. yurt) are also included in the above category but have limits on how many days they can be rented.

The 2024/25 registration service, "Register Your Short-term Accommodation" (RYSTA), will open mid-August. To ensure your application is processed and adjudicated by September 30, you are encouraged to submit your complete application by September 16, 2024. Please visit the Tourist Accommodations Registry page for updates or use the button below to view the updated regulations. 

 RESPONSIBLE BEVERAGE SERVICE TRAINING - A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) is pleased with the announcement by the province that will require mandatory responsible beverage service training for all licensed establishments as of December 1, 2024.

TIANS has been advocating this training be a required credential for those involved in the sale and service of alcohol for a number of years. Prior to this announcement, only new licensees and those with an infraction were required to take the program; and Nova Scotia was one of the few provinces remaining in Canada that had not yet moved to implement responsible service training as a mandatory benchmark.   

This new approach builds shared responsibility for individuals wanting to work in the sector and business owners to have the right policies in place. 

TIANS, through the NS Tourism Human Resource Council has been delivering the Serve Right training for over two decades and has recently updated the online program to include innovative learning features and the latest in case law.  It is important to note that a number of post-secondary schools already incorporate the training as part of their tourism program curriculum, and it is also available to secondary schools as we foster a culture of responsible service.    

The new edition of Serve Right 2024 has been reviewed by Industry stakeholders and government agencies to ensure it reflects current regulations and business best practices around the safe service of alcohol.  We have also worked with the Insurance Industry to have the training recognized as a factor in risk mitigation.

TIANS looks forward to working with Industry partners and organizations to support a smooth transition as the new regulations take effect.  Enhanced skills and knowledge supporting responsible service will be crucial in our ability to deliver quality, safe experiences for guests in Nova Scotia licensed establishments across the province.

To support Industry, we have prepared an FAQ (below). To register for the program, visit: Serve Right - Responsible Beverage Service Program.

Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service  FAQ's

Have Questions About The New Serve Right Requirements?

Check Out The FAQ Below!

Q: What is the Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service Program?

A:  The Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service Program is a training program designed to help staff and managers of hospitality businesses understand and implement good business strategies and safe practices in alcohol service.  The course content was updated in 2024 to reflect current regulations and recent case law.

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Q:  How do I register for the Serve Right course?

A:  You can easily sign up for the course at: Serve Right Responsible Beverage Service.

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Q:   How long will it take to complete the program?

A:   You can complete the course at your convenience as the online format allows you to log in and out and tracks your learning progress. Most people complete the course within two hours.

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 Q:  How much does the course cost to take?

 A:  To support access for Industry, the program fees have been adjusted to $35 for Servers and $50 for Managers/Owners. (Tax is not charged.)

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 Q:  I am a licensed business owner, what is the difference in the Manager program?

 A:  The manager program supports the development of smart policies that work for your business and help mitigate risks.

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 Q:  I took this program before – do I have to take it again?

 A:  The Serve Right Program is valid for three years and then must be renewed.

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 Q:  I took the program within the past 3 years but cannot find my certificate – can you help?

A:   If you took the Serve Right Program and have lost your certificate, contact: icentral@tourism.ca for assistance in securing a replacement certificate for a nominal fee.

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Q:  I took a similar course in another province – does it count?

A:   Each province has its own course relevant to that jurisdiction. In Nova Scotia, the recognized program is Serve Right – Responsible Beverage Service Program.

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 Q:  Can I take the program if I am not currently employed in a licensed business?

 A:  Absolutely! Having this Industry credential will be an asset when looking for work in the F&B sector.

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 Q:  I don’t want to/can’t take a course online – is there an in-person option?

 A:   TIANS is committed to providing training delivery options for the industry wherever feasible. Email: training@tourism.ca, or call 902-423-4480 to discuss your specific needs.