Prospects and companies in Waterloo Area are stocking up on booze forward of a doable LCBO strike.
Unionized employees shall be in a authorized strike place as of 12:01 a.m. on July 5.
An indication exterior the LCBO in Uptown Waterloo reveals retailer hours have been prolonged beginning Thursday, giving clients extra time to buy. Like different areas throughout the province, the Uptown retailer shall be open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. till July 4.
Some clients mentioned they had been unaware of the looming strike till our Ontario Chronicle reporter requested them to touch upon this story.
“I would have [bought more],” one shopper mentioned. “I’ll have to go back later on.”
The LCBO, in the meantime, is recommending folks plan forward.
In an e mail to Ontario Chronicle Kitchener, a spokesperson mentioned: “We expect to see an increase in sales, in what is already a busy period as customers prepare for the Canada Day long weekend.”
Buyer Jerry Finnen is getting ready for a possible strike. He walked out of the Waterloo retailer Tuesday with just a few bottles of gin, though he admits they received’t final lengthy.
“Well, it’ll have to be a short strike,” he mentioned, laughing.
Eating places are additionally stocking up.
Moose Winooski’s in Kitchener, Ont. on June 25, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/ Ontario Chronicle)
Moose Winooski’s in Kitchener has already tweaked their regular order.
“You know, just getting a date down,” defined Laynee Belzil, the operations supervisor on the restaurant. “Obviously ordering a little bite more than we’d typically be ordering.”
But when a strike lasts longer than anticipated, Moose Winooski’s shall be prepared.
“We have a huge draft beer selection. The Beer Store is going to be going strong for us,” Belzil mentioned.
Some clients who spoke with Ontario Chronicle Kitchener are in assist of the doable strike.
“Unionized workers have a right to go on strike. I agree with them negotiating,” one particular person mentioned.
“I am usually on the side of workers’ rights so if people feel like they need better wages to do the work that they want to do, then that seems like a reasonable ask,” mentioned one other.
Some folks, nevertheless, aren’t fazed by a doable LCBO closure.
“I’m a young mom right now. Drinking makes me too tired,” mentioned one woman.
Others anticipate some anger.
“Ticked off. People are going to be swearing. I can see people screaming,” one other shopper mentioned.
Most agree {that a} ‘dry summer’ might have a special which means altogether this yr.
