Licence fees dropped for businesses renting movies, video games

Service Nova Scotia issued 672 licences in 2015-2016, which cost retailers $199 every 3 years

Image | Backlot Video

Caption: Nova Scotia announced Wednesday that stores no longer need a licence to rent or sell movies and video games. (Tori Weldon/CBC)

The Nova Scotia government is acknowledging the obvious: Most people no longer rent or buy their movies and video games at stores.
The province announced Wednesday that stores no longer need a licence to sell or rent them.
Service Minister Mark Furey says the change is "in direct response to a change in consumer behaviour," because most people now get such content from iTunes and similar providers.
The licence cost retailers $199 every three years.
Service Nova Scotia issued 672 of the licences in 2015-2016, compared to 919 in 2006.
The government says stores must still ensure items are properly classified, and that consumers can see and understand the classifications.

Image | Video Difference on Quinpool Road in Halifax

Caption: The well-known rental business Video Difference announced earlier this year that it was shutting down its locations on Quinpool Road, pictured, and on the Bedford Highway. (Google Maps)