Vancouver bars embrace Blue Jays World Series run

The Blue Jays are providing a welcome boom for watering holes across Metro Vancouver.

Sports bars in Downtown Vancouver have seen growing crowds as the Blue Jays have advanced through Major League Baseball’s postseason – and they’re gearing up for an even bigger party with the World Series between Toronto and Los Angeles beginning on Friday.

“The home run was crazy,” said Dublin Calling’s Johnny Laing while describing the key moment in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. “George – George [Springer]’s home run in the seventh inning – that was good vibes in here.”

During a CTV News visit to Dublin Calling on Thursday afternoon, it was the calm before the storm – with the scene expected to be very different Friday evening.

“I expect a full house every game,” Laing said. “One hundred, 150 people, possibly more.”

Another bar enjoying the playoff run has been Red Card, a short walk away on Smithe Street.

“I would love to see a Game 7 to be honest with you, that would be amazing,” Red Card General Manager David Gilley told CTV News.

“If we went Game 7, it would be great for business, it would be great for everything – and then, again, if the Jays win – it’s going to be bonkers in here.”

Gilley said he bought every Blue Jays fan in the bar a blue shot to celebrate the ALCS win over Seattle, and says he’d be more than happy to open his wallet again if Toronto goes all the way.

And while those in the bar and restaurant world have welcomed the Jays march to the World Series, the ongoing BCGEU strike which has brought liquor distribution in the province to a halt remains an ongoing challenge.

“It’s just shortages everywhere and if we do run out, then unfortunately we’re just going to have to sell premium spirits as opposed to regular spirits,” Gilley said. “That’s what we’re facing at the moment.”

Over at Dublin Calling, Laing said the beer supply is in good shape but similarly notes the hard stuff is where supplies are running low.

“We’re definitely having some challenges, but we’re holding our own. We got ahead of the game before it all went down, so we’re still doing OK,” Laing said. “There’s a couple of things we’re a little bit light on, but we’re surviving.”

Anyone planning to watch the game in a bar should consider booking ahead – with some businesses reporting that reservations are already filling up well into the series.