Erotic stores in Quebec are permitted to stay open until 11 p.m. every day of the week under a new measure by the provincial government. The draft regulation was published in the Quebec Official Gazette on Wednesday, and amends Quebec’s law respecting hours and days of admission to commercial establishments. Under this measure, “commercial establishments principally offering for sale at all times erotic objects between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. every day of the year,” the document says. The measure comes into force in mid-August. This move by the government will significantly benefit erotic shops, according to Edith Arsenault, president and co-owner of the Boutique Séduction chain, which has six stores in Montreal. “Around the world, even across Canada, erotic shops are open late. You cannot close an erotic shop at 5 p.m. on a Saturday,” said Arsenault, who is also president of the Association des Boutiques et Vidéos Érotiques du Québec (ABVEQ), which represents erotic boutiques in Quebec. “People don’t come in the mornings. Couples like to shop our products mostly after dinner, or after a movie; our clientele is different from other establishments.” Sex stores want exemption This move comes after erotic shops have been calling on the Quebec government for nearly a decade to exempt them from provincial regulations that oblige them to close at certain hours. Erotic shops may be open until 5 p.m. or 9 p.m. depending on the day of the week. However, stores outside a tourist zone must close at 5 p.m. on weekends and 9 p.m. on weekdays, while stores inside a tourist zone do not. The Quebec government launched a pilot project in October 2025 that allowed erotic shops to stay open until 11 p.m. every day, including holidays, following calls from the association. Arsenault says Boutique Séduction saw nearly a 20 per cent increase in sales since the pilot project launched. “Most of our clients come Wednesday to Sunday, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.,” she said. “So this allowed us to stay competitive, and to stay competitive you have to be able to serve your customers, and we weren’t able to serve them well with the limitations on hours.” Additionally, Arsenault says these extended hours have allowed them to remain competitive against major online retailers. However, while most Quebec boutiques also offer their products online, Arsenault says this move allows establishments to cater to customers who would rather shop in-store. “They still love to come in-store and see the product before buying it. Sometimes, certain types of products need some explanation, so we are there to provide them with that,” she said. “We’re very happy about this decision. It aligns with our strategy, and we can look forward to the future.” Competitive in retail sector The Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy recognizes that the retail sector has undergone significant changes due to the growing popularity of online shopping and changes in shoppers’ habits, leading to the decision to launch the pilot project for erotic shops. “A mid-term evaluation of the adult store pilot project found that retailers, employees, and customers were satisfied with the extended hours, as they are better suited to the realities of this sector, where consumer habits are more nighttime-oriented,” the ministry wrote in a statement to CTV News. The ministry says other erotic shops have also reported a nearly 20 per cent increase in sales since the launch of the pilot project. “Making this measure permanent will ensure the regulatory stability essential for businesses to plan their operations and eliminate any ambiguity regarding the application of the rules,” the ministry says. “It will also help boost foot traffic at these local establishments, which are often located on bustling commercial streets, thereby contributing to the vitality of local communities.” Another pilot project aimed at extending the hours of operation for commercial establishments that sell retail products has been underway since March 11. Non-food businesses, including stores, boutiques, hardware stores, retail outlets, and markets, can open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday, excluding statutory holidays. The goal is to evaluate the impact of hours on businesses.
