After an initial reduction in hours, the Ministry of the Attorney General has announced that BC Liquor Stores will be closed every Sunday starting this weekend until further notice.
In an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz, the ministry confirmed that the Liquor Distribution Branch has decided to further adjust store hours due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, BC Liquor Stores are expected to remain open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
However people are encouraged to contact individual stores to ascertain whether they have different hours.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
According to the ministry, the Liquor Distribution Branch has been experiencing staffing shortages, and these reduced hours will allow available staff to receive and safely stock products.
“Reducing hours, in general, will also allow staff to complete store cleaning in the off hours, to minimize risk to our employees and customers, and help stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” reads the statement.
All stores will be following the provincial health order to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between people, meaning some stores may start limiting the number of people that can enter at one time.
There continues to be no shortage of beer, wine, and spirits, but the statement says that an increase in demand has led to challenges in stocking and restocking shelves.