 The exceptions are for four private retailers in urban HRM offering beer, wine, and spirits, and, in rural areas where there is not an NSLC location, 23 "agency" liquor stores operated by private retailers on NSLC's behalf.On October 31, 1929, a plebiscite was held on Nova Scotia's prohibition of alcohol sales.Over 60 percent of voters authorized the repeal of the "Nova Scotia Temperance Act".