Quebec stores to be allowed to stay open later starting March 11

Starting March 11, retail businesses in Quebec will have the option to stay open later as part of a one-year pilot project.

The Quebec government is allowing eligible businesses, including clothing stores, boutiques and hardware stores, to open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on public holidays.

Currently, commercial establishments must close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The pilot project is the result of a previous trial conducted in three cities — Gatineau, Laval and Saint-Georges — where businesses were allowed to open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays voluntarily, except on public holidays.

Food stores and pharmacies, which are already exempt from restrictions on opening hours, are not affected by the proposed changes.

Quebec is also conducting another pilot project to allow adult stores to remain open until 11 p.m. every day.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Feb. 23.