Private liquor stores hurting as BCGEU strike continues

The closure of all provincially run liquor stores because of the ongoing BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike is now having a major impact on some businesses — and even private liquor stores are now suffering.

This is because all liquor distribution in the province has to go through warehouses run by BCGEU members, and while they remain behind picket lines, inventory is drying up.

Sukh Randhawa, who owns Liquor 62 in Surrey, says he initally saw a spike in sales when BC Liquor Stores closed.

But now, having not received any deliveries for more than six weeks, his business is hurting as his inventory dwindles.

“Our shelves are getting empty, and we are losing customers,” he said. “It has definitely had a significant impact.

Prior to the strike, he says, Liquor 62 would be receiving new inventory once or twice a week.

“We feel kind of helpless,” he said. “We are just kind of at the mercy of the strike.”

Randhawa says the easiest solution would be for the government to allow retailers to pick up product themselves

“I remember during COVID, obviously liquor stores were deemed an essential service,” he said.

“Let us pick up our inventory from warehouses ourselves — even at our own cost — or allow at least some sort of like minimal level of warehouse operations, like an essential service model, so the entire industry doesn’t collapse.”

Meantime, Oktoberfest isn’t going so well for some, with one local event — Notre Dame Juggler Haus Oktoberfest — having to cancel entirely because it can’t get any alcohol.