Sales of alcohol might be way up, but B.C. is closing its government-run liquor stores on Sundays.
Ironically, surging sales — they’re up 40 per cent this month — contributed to the decision, which takes effect this weekend.
The increased demand, combined with a lower number of available employees, has stretched resources as workers struggle to find the time to restock shelves and maintain a more rigorous cleaning regime during the pandemic.
B.C. Liquor Stores hours will now be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Consumers will notice another change, too: plexiglass shields being erected as germ barriers at sales counters.
Viviana Zanocco of the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch said liquor stores face the same challenges as other employers, with some staff self-isolating after foreign vacations or dealing with child-care needs. At the same time, sales of some large-volume items — cask wine, large bottles of whiskey, 24-packs of beer — have surged by well over 100 per cent.
