Differences Between BC Liquor Licenses and Alberta Liquor Licenses
August 25, 2022
BCGEU Strike Caused Cannabis Store Closures and Layoffs
September 14, 2022
The BCGEU strike was paused over a week ago and the BC General Employees’ Unions (BCGEU) and the Public Service Agency (PSA) have reached a tentative agreement. A date for a ratification vote will be set in the coming days. On August 12, the union served 72-hour strike notice and soon followed with an overtime ban. Pickets were first put up at distribution centres in Delta, Kamloops, Richmond and Victoria, effectively cutting off the supply of liquor and cannabis to stores throughout the province.
Effects of BCGEU Strike Were Deep and Far Reaching
Late in August, Jaclynn Pehota, Executive Director of the Retail Cannabis Council of BC stated she knew of 50 BC cannabis stores that either closed or severely cut operating hours as stock ran low. Private liquor stores were also hit hard. An Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) survey found that many businesses were taking a financial hit. One-fifth of members reported that they had lost upwards of $20,000 in profit and 20% of respondents said they had to reduce staff hours.
Talk to a Thrive Liquor & Cannabis Consultant. We’re Here for You
If you run a BC liquor store or cannabis store and business is hurting because of the recent strike and distribution disruptions, consider recovery planning with our BC liquor and cannabis consultants. By looking at financials, stock and current employee hours, we can help streamline reopening by creating a plan that works for your business, its customers and employees.
