Quebec is moving to permanently allow erotic boutiques to remain open until 11 p.m. daily after a pilot project reportedly increased sales at participating shops by as much as 20 per cent.
The change is contained in a draft regulation published Wednesday by Economy Minister Bernard Drainville.
Under the regulation, businesses whose principal activity is selling erotic objects would be permitted to admit customers between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. throughout the year.
A pilot project launched in October that allowed erotic boutiques to operate under the extended hours reported sales increases of between 15 and 20 per cent, according to the economy ministry, La Presse reported.
The later hours better reflect the industry’s predominantly nighttime shopping patterns, the ministry said, adding that making the arrangement permanent would also give businesses greater regulatory certainty and increase activity at stores often located on busy commercial streets.