Liquor Mart employees are set to vote on whether they will strike, after their union turned down an offer from Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Monday.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union wants a new contract with a wage increase, improvements to benefits and no concessions.

Given the potential for a work stoppage, some holiday shoppers said they would be considering their options.

James Engstrom, a manager at The Winehouse, said private wine stores would be open around the holidays even if there was an MLCC work stoppage.

He said although all liquor sold in Manitoba goes through MLCC's warehouse, private vendors keep plenty of stock on hand in their stores and private warehouses.

For those who really want to play it safe, they can always brew their own beer or make their own wine.

Barry Bryan, one of the managers at Brewers Direct, said their brewing supplies have nothing to do with MLCC.

He said with a start-up kit of $70 you can brew your own beer or wine for less than $1 per bottle and he says there's still enough time to have it ready for the holidays.

On Oct. 22, MBLL made an offer to their employees that the union said included a modest wage increase if they agreed to give up several provisions and accept a benefits plan without knowing any details about it.

More discussion and bargaining is set for Nov. 26, ahead of the strike votes taking place across Manitoba Nov. 27 to Dec. 2.

-with a report from Alesia Fieldberg