With the number of people infected by the Omicron strain of COVID-19 surging, supply chain issues across Australia are increasing, with logistic and transport networks being hit by the high volume of transport, distribution and shop workers either sick or isolating.
Supermarkets, in particular, are feeling the impact with the number of empty shelves increasing, but this is not like we have seen in the early stages of various lockdowns, when people were panic buying, this is a wider logistical crisis.
With this in mind The Shout contacted both Endeavour Group (EG) and Coles to find out if they are expecting to see similar issues in their liquor stores and hospitality venues.
Coles has introduced purchase limits on various items in its supermarkets, but a spokesperson for the group said this was not yet happening in its liquor stores.
“Recent increases in COVID case numbers in the community have required more people to isolate, which has impacted the availability of labour throughout the supply chain,” the spokesperson told The Shout.
“At this point we have not introduced any temporary purchasing limits in liquor however we will continue to assess the situation.”
EG told The Shout that while it is experiencing supply chain issues and team shortages, the company was looking to keep opening as many of its stores and hotels as possible.
“The wellbeing of our team, customers and communities remains our highest priority. As for many businesses, Omicron is a game changer and we are doing our best to serve customers and patrons as we adapt to living with Covid-19,” an EG spokesperson told The Shout.
“Although we are experiencing some challenges in our supply chains, our stores are well stocked at this time and if a customer is temporarily unable to find their favourite drink, we are confident they’ll be able to find a suitable alternative.
“We are also experiencing challenges with team shortages due to a number of our team members having to isolate. However, we are doing everything we can to keep our stores and hotels open and we will keep adapting as the situation evolves.
“We thank customers and patrons for their patience and understanding.”
The Shout will continue to monitor how supply chain issues are impacting the industry.