Private liquor

Private liquor stores and direct sales help BC wineries reach customers during strike

Oct 10, 2025 | 4:17 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The ongoing picketing of all government-operated liquor stores by the BC General Employees’ Union continues to impact brewers’ ability to get their products to market. Nevertheless, small local alcohol producers are continuing to make deliveries to their customers.

Nestled along the banks of the Neckako River, Northern Lights Estate Winery, this establishment proudly holds the title of the northernmost winery in British Columbia. Despite the ongoing strike, they have managed to keep their wines available for purchase by utilizing alternative channels to bring their products to market.

“ So one of the great things for the private liquor store system is that they can still access BC products, so that they can access most beer. They can access BC wines from land-based wineries like u.s”

Doug Bell

Operating Partner, Northern Lights Estate Winery

Last week, BC Liquor Stores shut their doors due to the strike, and Doug Bell sees this situation as an opportunity to promote his product.

“ We’re getting more attention than we normally would get, and we are starting to see those customers requesting our product because they want to make sure that they can service their Thanksgiving customers.”

Doug Bell

Operating Partner, Northern Lights Estate Winery

Bell notes that local alcohol producers are still able to sell their products directly from their establishments as well as through private liquor stores.

The dispute between the province and the workers is in its sixth week, with about 25-thousand members taking part in job action across B.C.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ