Local businesses’ concerns about the ongoing LCBO strike vary across respondents.
For Michelle Laracy, manager of Pick and Shovel Sports Bar on Water Street, a little preparation went a long way.
“I made sure I had everything in stock,” Laracy said.
“I’ve spent over $4,000. We’re not going to run out.”
As the strike continues, Laracy expects an increase in customer traffic as other businesses run out of inventory.
She expects the local water point to be in operation for at least another two weeks before she has to think about a solution.
“I was smart,” she said, laughing.
“Starting next week, people will run out of supplies. People drink a lot of alcohol and need a lot of coolers. I have coolers.”
If a shortage of barware does occur, Laracy would be happy to order through LBCO’s limited online options, but would refuse to break the picket line when select stores reopen on July 19, as mentioned.
She completely disagrees with the Ford government and its plans to offer mixed drinks in addition to beer and wine in convenience stores.
“I agree with what they are doing,” she said of the LCBO staff.
“This liquor should not be sold in any corner shop. They will lose their jobs.”
While some stores continue to serve mixed drinks, others are not so lucky.
Rockton Berry Farm, which also includes an LCBO agency store, does not serve alcohol.
Employee GM Singh said the strike had hit inventory at the Highway 8 store hard.
“This store is located on a highway and many customers come here,” Singh said.
“We are now out of stock and many customers are complaining. From morning to night there are many complaints. This happens every day.”
Singh said the store places orders and receives deliveries every week, but last week he did not receive any alcohol or mixed drinks.
This is a problem that many face as they try to secure everything that is available.
James Goerzen browsed the shelves at Rockton Berry Farm, preparing for a trip north next week.
Goerzen understands the small businesses that are looking for supplies and has visited several stores where the shelves are empty.
“We were at Foodland in Ayr and the cashier at their LCBO store said they would get a delivery but probably wouldn’t see it,” Goerzen said.
“We stock up on everything we can, wherever we can.”
Personally, he is not particularly worried about the strike, even though it limits his options.
“It’s either beer or wine and that’s it unless you go to a distillery or local store to pick it up,” he said.
“It will definitely have an impact on my wife, who drinks a lot of mixed drinks. I guess we’ll switch to wine.”
