Three employees were physically assaulted at a Winnipeg liquor store Wednesday with one being transported to hospital.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries President Manny Atwal says that the attack, which occurred at the Tyndall Park Liquor Mart, was unprovoked. Atwal made the announcement at a 9:30 p.m. press conference on Wednesday. He says that as a result, the liquor store has been closed until further notice.

The Tyndall Park store has already had construction underway to its entrance. The entrance will be secured, and Atwal says that customers will have to show a valid ID before being allowed into the store.

"While it will be the first secure entrance, it will not be the last." The recent rise in mass-thefts from liquor stores has left the MBLL with no choice, Atwal says.

"Our employees should not feel unsafe at work," Atwal says. "They should not have to come to work every day wondering how many times somebody will threaten them, or how many times somebody may try to harm them or harm one of our customers. Our customers should not feel unsafe when shopping at our liquor marts. This has to stop."

Customers have been reminded again to not intervene, either physically or by taking photos or video, should they witness a robbery. Atwal says such behaviour can escalate the situation and put everyone in the stores at risk.

Atwal thanked the Winnipeg Police Service for their ongoing help over the last year as robberies have spiked. He also thanked the public for their support and sent well wishes to the staff members assaulted.

MBLL says they will provide more details on Thursday morning. They did not comment on the condition of the staff member taken to hospital.