Penticton liquor store raises wages during COVID-19

Photo: Riverside Liquor Store

Workers at Riverside Liquor Store given 20 per cent raise amid busy COVID-19 times.

Workers at Penticton's Riverside Liquor Store have been given a 20 per cent raise in recognition of the increased danger they are facing as retail workers in the COVID-19 era. 

Operations manager  Christine Lawton for InnHouse Group, which owns the store, said the decision came from the owner and was welcomed during a tough time. 

"It's such an incredibly difficult time for everybody, that we're just trying to reward the people who are in the thick of it," Lawton said.

"It's amazing, I've been with the company for 15 years now and this is the first time we've ever been through anything like this obviously, but just to have the support makes it a little easier to go to work everyday."

Lawton said they have seen a huge increase in business at stores like Riverside Liquor, due to restaurants and bars closing and people being told to stay home. If customers want alcohol, the liquor store is the only place to get it. 

"It does make sense that it's busier. It's been a lot to manage, to put in the protocols, cleaning and having customers staying six feet apart and limiting the number of customers in store," she said. 

"We have had staff that have chosen to leave and go on EI because they don't feel comfortable in the environment."

The 20 per cent raise is an acknowledgement and thanks to the workers. 

Riverside Liquor Store remains open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.