Government-run liquor stores are beginning to limit the quantity of certain products people can purchase, amid ongoing strike action between the government and BCGEU. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LACK OF SPIRIT

Liquor rationing beginning under ongoing BCGEU strike

Aug 19, 2022 | 11:22 AM

NANAIMO — It might be harder to get a cold drink for a hot summer’s day.

Government-run liquor stores have begun limiting the amount of alcohol which can be purchased at any one time, in a bid to keep supply on the shelf for all customers during strike action at liquor distribution centres on the Lower Mainland and in Victoria, by the BC Government Employees Union.

In an update posted Thursday, Aug.18 by Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) executive director Jeff Guignard, he said around 40 per cent of all alcohol in the province to stores, bars and pubs comes through the warehouses affected.

“Like you, we believe this situation is both unfair and irresponsible. This dispute is between the BCGEU and government; it has nothing to do with you, your business, or our industry.”

Effective immediately, BC Liquor Stores are allowing the purchasing of no more than three of any single item per day.

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The sale of beer is unaffected at this time and privately-owned liquor stores will maintain normal operations.

The affected centres are the only source of imported alcohol products, including popular ready-to-drink items. Provincial cannabis stores are also solely supplied by these facilities, according to Guignard.

“This strike is having an immediate, devastating impact on…businesses,” Guignard added. “We are encouraging both sides to return to the negotiation table immediately to avoid any further damage to our industry.”

He also said the industry is still fragile following the pandemic and further issues will only have negative effects and losses for businesses.

Guignard said options remain for some liquor operators, including restaurants, bars and pubs, such as the Brewers Distributed Ltd. and local craft producers, however many stores are already running out of popular national and international items.

Meetings continue with stakeholders, while no details are available regarding current or future talks between the government and union representatives.

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