Private liquor businesses in British Columbia are encountering challenges due to an ongoing strike that has disrupted the provincial liquor distribution system. Public service workers, including those at the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), are in their seventh week of strike action over negotiations for higher wages. Sukh Randhawa, owner of Liquor 62 in Surrey, stated that the strike has severely impacted his store, leading to low supply levels and turning away customers.
The strike has resulted in revenue losses for Randhawa, prompting considerations of temporary layoffs or reduced operating hours. The government mandate requires his shop to purchase inventory solely from the LDB, limiting alternative distribution options. Liquor 62, accustomed to receiving regular shipments from the LDB, has not received deliveries in weeks.
Similarly, other private liquor retailers are feeling the effects of the strike. Bo Chen, executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE B.C.), mentioned that some retailers have reduced hours and laid off staff. The prolonged strike has left many local producers and brands with products stuck in warehouses, impacting businesses like Please! Beverage Co. in Vancouver.
While facing challenges, business owners like Randhawa and Noel Steen of Please! Beverage Co. express support for the workers’ right to strike. However, they highlight the significant impact on their operations due to the closure of the LDB. Paul Finch, president of the B.C. General Employee’s Union, emphasizes the union’s desire for the province to return to negotiations with a reasonable offer to minimize the strike’s impact.
Conversely, Deep Blue Distillery in Richmond has experienced a surge in orders from private retailers, restaurants, and bars amid the strike. Co-founder Kyla Lee noted a substantial increase in demand for their locally-made vodka, indicating potential long-term customer relationships beyond the strike period.