Restaurants Canada statement on BC Liquor strike

Restaurants Canada is deeply concerned about the escalation in the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike targeting BC Liquor and the impacts it is already having on foodservice businesses in the province.

As a result of Liquor Distribution Centres being closed, hospitality and retail customers are limited to three items per SKU per day, which they must purchase at a retail location. On September 24th Restaurants Canada was informed that BCGEU has escalated strike action even further targeting BC Liquor stores and forcing several locations to close. This makes it even harder for foodservice businesses to maintain the necessary liquor product inventory for their operations and is not sustainable for much longer.

Restaurants in the province are already under significant pressure from mounting costs and reduced consumer spending. They cannot afford a prolonged and increasingly unpredictable service disruption. Restaurants Canada urges the BCGEU and the BC government to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

• Mark von Schellwitz, Vice-President for Western Canada, Restaurants Canada

Media Contact:

Milena Stanoeva, Restaurants Canada | media@restaurantscanada.org | 647-921-1758

About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $124 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada. Visit restaurantscanada.org for more information.