VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The NHL lockout has not even begun yet and already some Vancouver businesses and sports bars are hurting.  And as a result, at least three people have been let go at the Shark Club downtown and more cuts could be on the way.
    
Ian Tostenson with the BC Restaurant Association says with no season lined up, eateries will lose up to six per cent in revenue a month.  They’re now trying to come up with a game plan to make back some of that lost profit.
    
He adds the Vancouver Canucks create the most buzz in the downtown core, not the BC Lions, not the Vancouver Whitecaps and not concerts.
    
“We’ve already built-in on the business plan for the industry.  We’ve built in the effects of the Whitecaps, we’ve built-in the effects of the Lions.  Last year we had the Grey Cup, so we’re going to miss that one.  Again, you’re taking out probably about 65 to 70 per cent of the activity around hockey because there’s so much of it.  Generally, there are two or three games a week or at least two games a week, compared to football and compared to soccer.”
    
Tostenson says the trend of restaurant lay-offs will continue until the players hit the ice.  “What we need in the hospitality sector are events that get people out.  So, more concerts, more of that kind of stuff.  Unfortunately, hockey is a big one to replace.”
    
The NHL and its players union have until 8:59 p.m. local time Saturday to reach a deal, otherwise players will be locked out.