Outpouring of liquor support

By Cheryl Bychyk Wednesday, October 25, 2006 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_649.php

Employees protesting against the closure of two downtown government liquor stores presented their case in force to city council Monday.Wanda Klassen-Roth, representing members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union, presented council with a petition marked with more than 5,210 signatures – or about 10 per cent of Greater Vernon’s population.After a short discussion, councillors voted unanimously to support the union employees in their protest against the closure. Klassen-Roth said she was delighted with council’s support.“I am ecstatic because I didn’t think they would vote on it today,” said Klassen-Roth in front of City Hall after addressing councillors. “I believe that was extremely important because they are our voice.”She also explained that the stores are publicly owned; therefore, the public does have the right to be informed and give their own input on the matter.“Customers are happy they are being included,” she added. Gathering such a high number of signatures shows the extent people are willing to go to save the stores, said Klassen-Roth.Klassen-Roth, along with many others, has been working hard to inform the public about the closure of the Fruit Union Plaza and Schubert Centre liquor stores. The stores are being replaced by a Signature store, which will be located in the Village Green Mall.“We are very pleased we are opening a Signature store,” Klassen-Roth told council. However, members of the government union said that opening a Signature store should not result in the closure of two others.Together, Fruit Union Plaza and Schubert Centre pull in more than $16 million yearly. But closing two stores to open one large store could see sales decrease, as the Signature store may be located at an inconvenient location for some residents, Klassen-Roth told council.Klassen-Roth added that the closure of these two stores would affect individuals in surrounding areas, especially those unable to travel very far from home. This, among other reasons, will only mark the beginning of the union’s fight, said Klassen-Roth. “We’re not done yet.”