Retail Closings During Easter Weekend
Ontario
Government Reminds Consumers And Businesses Of Closings Under
Retail Business Holidays Act
TORONTO, March 2 /CNW/ - Shoppers and merchants are
reminded that under
the
Retail Business Holidays Act, both Good Friday, March 25, 2005 and Easter
Sunday,
March 27, 2005, are 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. Book or magazine stores under 2,400 square
feet
with a maximum of three employees, pharmacies under 7,500 square feet,
flower
shops and gas stations are among exempted businesses.
Stores may be open on holidays if exempted by specific municipal
bylaws
for
the development or maintenance of tourism. 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 individuals 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 may be fined up to $50,000
or
the total amount of gross sales for the holiday, whichever is greater.
Enforcement of the Retail Business Holidays Act is the
responsibility of
local
police services.
To find out which types of retail operations are exempted by the
act
please
call the ministry at 416-326-8800 or toll free at 1-800-889-9768.
