September 23rd, 2025
Liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses across Burnaby, Delta, Richmond, and Kamloops are now behind picket lines as the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) escalates strike action. More than 10,000 public workers are involved across 28 active picket lines, disrupting supply chains that restaurants depend on.
For restaurant operators, this means potential shortages of wine, beer, and spirits in the coming weeks as existing stock sells through with no warehouse replenishment. Combined with ongoing challenges like high food costs and staffing shortages, the strike adds another layer of uncertainty for B.C.’s hospitality sector.
BCGEU strike now includes liquor and cannabis distribution warehouses, creating supply chain delays.
Liquor distribution centres typically move 60,000–120,000 cases daily, disruption will be felt province-wide.
Restaurants may see immediate stock, but future replenishment is uncertain.
Operators must adapt quickly by diversifying suppliers, streamlining menus, and communicating clearly with guests.
An inventory-focused POS system is essential to track usage, forecast shortages, and reduce waste.
With warehouses shut down, liquor and cannabis products will be harder to access. Restaurants may not feel the pinch right away, but over time:
This is a supply chain issue, not just a labour issue, restaurants must take steps now to avoid last-minute shortages.
Here are some ways to adjust:
Communicate Clearly: Train staff to explain changes and keep guests informed without lowering the customer experience.
In uncertain times, restaurants need visibility over what’s moving and what’s running low. A POS system with inventory management allows operators to:
For restaurants navigating the BCGEU strike, strong inventory management isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival tool and Snappy POS can help.
By taking proactive steps, restaurants can:
As one liquor distribution supervisor put it, “stores will still have product, but once it’s gone, it won’t be replenished.” Restaurants that act now will be better positioned than those that wait.
The BCGEU strike has created uncertainty for restaurants across the province, but operators can soften the impact through creative sourcing, streamlined menus, and strong communication. Leveraging technology like inventory management POS gives restaurants the visibility they need to make fast, data-driven decisions.
For restaurant owners in B.C., the strike is a reminder: agility and preparation are the keys to resilience.
Liquor distribution warehouses are shut down, which means restaurants will face replenishment delays once existing stock is sold through.
Diversify suppliers, streamline menus, communicate changes to guests, and use inventory tracking to plan ahead.
