Winnipeg restaurants stock up in case liquor mart workers strike
With the possibility of a strike looming just before the holidays, restaurants are not taking any chances
Restaurants across Winnipeg are stocking up on booze in case liquor store employees strike before the holiday season.
Workers voted in favour of a strike on Wednesday and Doug Stephen, head of WOW! Hospitality Concepts and owner of several restaurants in the city, isn't taking any chances.
"It is probably the worst time of year that it could happen to us," Stephen said. "And of course it puts us on edge because this is the time when we're doing most of our business."
Stephen told his staff to double or even triple liquor orders and he plans to have three weeks worth of stock in case there is a strike.
Other Winnipeggers agree that a strike could not happen at a worse time.
Jess Stacey says that having spirits during the holidays is an important part of the celebration.
"That sounds like a Christmas crisis," Stacey said, referring to the looming possibility of a strike. "Like, it will be a zombie apocalypse. But alcohol apocalypse, I suppose. Lines out the door, I can see it now."
Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and members of the Manitoba Government and General Employee's Union are scheduled to meet on Thursday, but union officials say they will not comment on their next move until Friday.