Shelves Bare: Quebec Liquor Store Sales Increase Near Ontario During LCBO Strike

Quebec’s liquor Crown corporation reports a spike in sales at certain stores near the Ontario border due to a strike by workers of the Ontario liquor control board.

Linda Bouchard, a spokesperson for Société des alcools du Québec, noted a rise in customers at 20 to 25 outlets near Ontario since last week.

“Spirits and ready-to-drink products are in high demand,” Ms. Bouchard stated on July 16, mentioning that shelves are quickly cleared.

The SAQ has not yet determined the exact increase in sales related to the strike, as they are focused on adjusting operations to supply the branches adequately.

Approximately 10,000 workers at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario went on strike on July 5 after failed negotiations. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union, representing them, cites the province’s alcohol-expansion plans as the main issue.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government responded by accelerating the plan to expand alcohol sales. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced that grocery stores already licensed to sell beer and wine can start ordering pre-mixed cocktails sooner than planned.

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Various industries, including tourism and wedding venues, have expressed concerns about how the strike is affecting their businesses.

Despite the revenue increase from Ontarians, who are boosting sales, the SAQ has its own labor dispute to contend with.

5,000 SAQ workers went on strike for two days in April and negotiations have continued since, including progress on part-time worker scheduling.

The union representing Quebec workers has expressed solidarity with their Ontario counterparts and is in talks to form an “inter-union alliance.”