It appears many people in Kamloops and B.C. now have their liquor cabinets fully stocked.

The Liquor Distribution Branch says sales have now leveled off to “seasonal” levels, after a 40 per-cent spike in over the counter sales that started in the middle of March.

Spokesperson Viviana Zanocco says the spike happened about the same time a provincial state of emergency was declared to go with new restrictions and closures that were being announced.

She says the trend was similar to increased shopping at grocery stores.

In the last two weeks of March, Zanocco says sales of spirits in 1.75 litre containers were up by 153 per cent in BC Liquor Stores, while cask wine sales were up by 144 per cent and sales of 24-packs of beer increased by 120 per cent.

She attributed that spike to people stocking up in case the supply chain was disrupted, and not necessarily people drinking more alcohol.

Meanwhile, Zanocco says BC Cannabis Stores also say a spike in online and retail sales for the second half of March. She did not have comparable data though for cannabis sales.

Earlier this week, the province enabled liquor stores in B.C. to open as early as 7 a.m., seven days per week, and recommended that stores dedicate hours for seniors and people who are immuno-compromised.

Zanocco says no public liquor stores in B.C. will be expanding their hours, and will be staying open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, until further notice.