Alcoholic drinks in Canada

In 1611, Louis Hérbert planted a hillside vineyard near what is today, Bear River, Nova Scotia.

Jean Talon, the first appointed Intendant of New France put limits on the amount of wine and spirits that could be imported and established the La brasserie de Roy in Quebec City, in the year 1668.

Canada's three territories have also been granted similar autonomy over these matters under the provisions of federal legislation.

Alberta is currently the only jurisdiction to have completely privatized its retail liquor industry (the AGLC maintains a monopoly over the wholesale distribution of wine, distilled spirits and imported beer — the distribution operation itself being contracted out to a private operator).

The consumption of alcohol in public places is generally forbidden, regardless of the time (in a few provinces and territories this is still not enforced), unless a permit to do so is delivered by the responsible municipal authorities.

In Quebec the consumption of drinks with low alcohol contents is permitted in public if accompanied by food.

In all of the provinces and territories, the consumption of alcohol is forbidden while driving, with Ontario and Quebec also forbidding the possession of open non-empty containers within a motionless vehicle.