We’re now six weeks into the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) strike and some local restaurants and bars say their liquor shelves are running dry.
And the situation could soon push many to the brink.
The strike, which has halted government-run liquor and cannabis distribution across the province, has left restaurants and bars scrambling to secure whatever bottles they can find.
According to a report from City News on October 8, 2025, Mark von Schellwitz, vice-president for Western Canada at Restaurants Canada, said businesses are “down to critical levels.”
He added that some restaurants are sending staff across the Lower Mainland to hunt for leftover stock — a strategy that’s “becoming less and less of an option” as more stores close and U.S. inventory runs out.
On Wednesday, the BCGEU escalated job action by pulling all remaining workers from government-operated liquor and cannabis stores.
Nearly 25,000 public-sector employees are now on strike, tightening the supply chain even further.
This strike comes at a difficult time for B.C.’s hospitality sector.
Many restaurants are still recovering from pandemic-related losses and high operating costs.
Restaurants Canada says 41 per cent of B.C. restaurants are either losing money or just breaking even.
Any further disruptions, like a liquor shortage, could tip some into closure.
Von Schellwitz urged the provincial government to intervene, either by helping settle the dispute quickly or by allowing restaurants to temporarily buy from private liquor stores.
He also noted that if no progress is made soon, “back-to-work legislation” may need to be considered to protect the industry.
On social media, some users have expressed frustration that small businesses are bearing the brunt of the strike.
Others say government workers deserve fair negotiations but worry the standoff could devastate independent bars and restaurants ahead of the holiday season.
What do you think — should the province step in to end the strike, or should negotiations run their course?
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