First it was cans, now, it seems that the shortage in the industry has moved over to the other side—glass bottles. Due to the slowing down of supply chains, many business owners across the country have already felt the effects, and now, Ottawa has been added to that list.

Distilleries, restaurants and pubs in Ottawa are scrambling to figure out how to serve their customers.

“If we don’t have that vessel to give to the customers, there’s a big problem,” said Adam Brierley, owner of Ogham Craft Spirits micro-distillery, who has resorted to selling his spirtis in maple syrup bottles.

Brierley said he has to put in orders at least six months in advance — and the bottles that are available are significantly more expensive and one of his distilleries might not see new bottles come in until next year.

Mike Estabrooks, seen here earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, says before the supply chain delays he would be able to source the alcohol for Irene’s Pub from a single LCBO. (Jean Delisle/CBC)

“Our customers are no stranger to coming in and asking for their favourite drink,” said Mike Estabrooks, owner of Irene’s Pub and Restaurant in Ottawa. “And the bartender [is now] apologizing and saying there just simply isn’t any stock.”

Estabrooks isn’t taking any chances and said he’s stocking up on liquor for the next two months to avoid shortages in the summer.

And of course, the shortages are not only causing a cog in the process but Brierley said they are contributing to a rise in both the price of glass bottles and their transportation to Canada, with customers likely shouldering the burden.

“These compounding costs are going to scare people away from supporting local, because local will become too expensive,” he said.

 “Ultimately we need to stay in business, because we need something that supports my family.”