Licence fees dropped for businesses renting movies, video games

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.