Winnipeg restaurants stock up in case liquor mart workers strike

Restaurants across Winnipeg are stocking up on booze in case liquor store employees strike beforethe holiday season.

• Manitoba liquor mart employees vote 97% in favour of strike

Workers voted in favour of a strike on Wednesdayand Doug Stephen, head of WOW! Hospitality Concepts and owner of several restaurants in the city, isn't taking any chances.

"Itis probably the worst time of year that it could happen to us," Stephensaid. "And of course it puts us on edge because this is the time when we're doing most of our business."

Stephentold his staff to double or even triple liquor orders and he plans to have three weeksworth of stock in case there is a strike.

Other Winnipeggersagree that a strike could not happen at a worse time.

Jess Stacey says that having spirits during the holidays is an important part of the celebration.

"That sounds like a Christmas crisis," Stacey said, referring to the looming possibility of a strike. "Like, it will be a zombie apocalypse. But alcohol apocalypse, I suppose. Lines out the door, I can see it now."

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and members of the Manitoba Government and General Employee's Union are scheduledto meet on Thursday, butunion officials say they will not comment on their next move until Friday.