Retail closings on Canada Day
TORONTO, June 9 /CNW/ - Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under the
Retail Business Holidays Act (the Act), Canada Day, Thursday, July 1, 2004, is
among the eight days annually when most stores must be closed.
The Act, administered by the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services,
exempts some retail operations. Flower shops, gas stations and book or
magazine stores under 2,400 square feet with a maximum of three employees, are
among exempted businesses.
Stores may be open in locations established as tourist areas by specific
municipal bylaws. Any questions about tourist designations or local hours of
retail operation should be directed to the Municipal Clerk's office in the
specific jurisdiction.
Minimum fines for opening on prohibited days of retail operation are $500
for a first offence, $2,000 for a second offence and $5,000 for a third or
subsequent offence. Retail outlets found guilty may be fined up to $50,000 or
the total amount of gross sales for the day, whichever is greater. Enforcement
of the Retail Business Holidays Act is the responsibility of local police
services.
To find out which retail operations are exempted by the Act please call
the ministry at 416-326-8800 or toll free at 1-800-889-9768.
