The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) has announced eight names and locations of qualified applicants from the recent Licensed Cannabis Retailer (LCR) RFP.

The provincial agency announced earlier this year their plans for adding up to 16 new retail cannabis locations to its current count of 30. The RFP opened earlier this year and closed on May 11, with an expected open date for new stores on Sept 1, 2021. 

The agency selected several geographic areas in the Province to better serve Newfoundlanders. Applicants were encouraged to describe any plans for online ordering, click and collect, as well as home delivery and drive-through (only for some locations). Some locations may also potentially be allowed to open a cannabis retailer inside an existing non-cannabis store.

Eight qualified applicants have been contacted by NLC and will be guided through the next phase of the application process to become Licensed Cannabis Retailers.  A representative for the NLC says that there will not be any others granted through this RFP, but they will address the need for any additional locations with potential future RFPs.

Bruce Keating, President and CEO, NLC – “This is another important step in the development of the cannabis industry in the Province. We are very pleased to expand retail coverage and improve consumer access, and in so doing, to continue to strengthen our ability to tackle the illicit cannabis trade. We were also pleased to see the quality of proposals submitted from within the Province to this competitive bid process.”

The evaluation process of the RFP included the review of 42 proposals. There were multiple proposals submitted in several postal codes, and as a result, the following applicants have qualified to proceed in the licensing process.

Oceanic Releaf, who received five of these eight, is also a federally licensed cannabis producer in Newfoundland Labrador. Atlantic Cultivation, who received two, is also a federally licensed cannabis producer in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A representative for Oceanic Releaf says all their locations will be offering in-province mail services, while the Clarenville, Whitbourne, and Port Aux Basques locations will offer a drive-through option. The St. John’s and Bonavista locations will offer curb side service.