A delay in opening a new brewery in North Vancouver is being attributed to an ongoing labor dispute. The Bridge Brewing Company has been preparing to launch its new taproom for three years. The team is ready with stocked beer and hired staff, but a strike by the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) is preventing liquor inspectors from performing necessary inspections.
Impact of the BCGEU Strike on Brewery Openings
Leigh Stratton, the consumption director at Bridge Brewing Company, expressed the excitement of finally creating a larger community space. However, the strike has stalled their progress. The brewery requires a liquor license to serve alcohol, which is unattainable without inspections that are now on hold.
Concerns from the Craft Brewing Industry
The financial implications of this delay are significant. Stratton noted that every day spent waiting results in lost revenue and unfulfilled employment opportunities. This situation is not unique to Bridge Brewing. The BC Craft Brewers Guild has highlighted that the strike has disrupted supply chains and affected numerous businesses attempting to open.
- Strike Duration: Heading into the seventh week.
- Consequence: Halted brewery openings and disrupted supply lines.
Ken Beattie, executive director of the BC Craft Brewers Guild, has called for negotiations to resume, emphasizing the catastrophic impact across various sectors. He advocated for regulatory changes that would streamline inspections and permit processes to avoid these situations in the future.
Future of the Brewing Industry Amidst Strikes
Even if the strike were to conclude immediately, the backlog of pending inspections and beer deliveries could prolong the wait for breweries like Bridge Brewing. Stratton conveyed understanding of the employees’ right to strike but lamented that businesses are suffering as collateral damage.
The current situation highlights the need for more efficient regulations in the brewing industry. Stratton and her team remain hopeful for a resolution, allowing them to proceed with their plans to serve their community and support their staff.
