The public sector worker’s strike is starting to affect private liquor stores across the Peace Region.
The ongoing job action by the BCGEU has brought liquor distribution to a standstill across the province.
Sherree Drover, the manager at George Dawson Liquor Store, said her store has been busier since the closure of BC Liquor Stores.
However, in the long run, she will not be able to keep her customers happy.
“Our sales are up. We’re seeing more people come in, but now, our shelves are emptying very quickly,” said Drover.
Under provincial law, all imported liquor must pass through the BC Liquor Distribution Branch before being sold, and right now that system is behind picket lines.
Drover said she feels the frustration from her customers. That is because some only drink a specific kind of liquor and will not settle for a different brand.
She added that vodkas, like Smirnoff and Alberta Pure, and whiskeys, such as Wiser’s Deluxe, have been hit the hardest.
Drover hopes the province and the public worker’s union can come to an agreement soon.
In the past, the union has taken down picket lines for a few days, but they said the government has taken advantage of that generosity.
“The willingness of my membership to take down any lines, under the rubric of good faith, is about zero,” said Paul Finch, BCGEU president.
That leaves millions of dollars worth of inventory parked in warehouses. For every week the strike lasts, it takes about a month to get product moving again.
However, Drover added that the George Dawson is more fortunate than other liquor stores, because they sell a lot of variety.
“We are luckier than others, so I invite everybody to come in and we will get you something to drink,” she said.