Debit and credit transactions resume at NB Liquor and Cannabis NB after cyber threat

All of New Brunswick’s provincially-operated liquor and cannabis stores are once again accepting debit and credit transactions, following a cybersecurity risk first detected nearly two weeks ago.

NB Liquor and Cannabis NB spokesperson Tanya Greer confirmed the resumption of debit and credit payment options on Sunday.

Corporate NB Liquor stores were temporarily shut down on Jan. 8, after the crown corporation said a technical issue was detected with its point-of-sale system the day before. Corporate NB Liquor stores re-opened Jan. 9 but only accepted cash for payment.

Cannabis NB stores didn’t close, but also went cash-only.

Agency NB Liquor stores and privately-operated cannabis retailers weren’t affected by the cybersecurity risk.

In Sunday’s statement, Greer said a full resumption of business activities was “ongoing behind the scenes” at the corporation.

“We continue to work with business partners including licensees, suppliers, agent stores, and local producers to assist them with their ordering process and distribution methods,” said the statement.

Previous statements from NB Liquor/Cannabis NB said the corporation wasn’t hit by a ransomware attack, adding customers' personal information wasn’t jeopardized. The corporation said no interviews would be given while its investigation continued into what happened.

There are 40 corporate NB Liquor stores and 27 Cannabis NB stores in the province.

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