NHL hockey revives liquor sales in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON – The president of NB Liquor says the return of NHL games after the lockout was a boon for liquor sales in New Brunswick.

Daniel Allain says total sales for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2013, were $78.8 million – an increase of $1.6 million over the same quarter last year.

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Net earnings for the Crown-owned company were $31.4 million – an increase of $1.1 million for the same period.

While wine, spirits and other beverages saw an increase in sales, beer sales were down by $1 million.

Allain says the positive results can be attributed to their annual wine and spirits liquidation sale and also the return of NHL hockey.

The NHL returned to the ice in mid-January after a battle between the league and players that lasted for nearly four months.