BC HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM BUSINESSES DEMAND A QUICK END

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, an unprecedented alliance of 19 industry associations and advocacy groups representing the province’s hospitality, spirits, tourism, lodging and cannabis retail businesses issued an open letter to BC-Premier John sent Horgan and the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) urging a speedy resolution when the two parties return to the negotiating table.

On August 15, the BCGEU began work actions at four key Liquor Distribution Branch warehouses, which together supply about 40 percent of all alcohol in BC and are the sole source of imported alcohol products and “ready-to-drink” beverages. The warehouses are also the only source of legally regulated cannabis for most BC cannabis retailers.

While the BCGEU’s work action was intended to motivate the provincial government, it deals another devastating blow to the hospitality and tourism sector, which is just beginning to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This industrial action has nothing to do with our industry; We are collateral damage in this job action,” said Jeff Guignard, executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC). “We support workers’ rights, but nobody has the right to cause so much disruption and damage to industries that are not involved in negotiations.”

While pickets are in place outside LDB warehouses, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, venues, hotels and retailers are unable to pick up orders already placed or place new spirits or cannabis orders. Provincial regulations do not permit the direct supply of many spirits and cannabis products to licensees and retailers, nor do they allow them to purchase products themselves from BC Liquor stores or other retailers.

Many facilities, venues and retailers cut from inventory have already begun to experience product shortages and an impact on sales – some are considering layoffs…