Quebec’s pilot project to extend store hours will begin March 11

Starting March 11, retail businesses in Quebec that wish to do so will be able to stay open later on weekends, as part of a one-year pilot project.

The Quebec government will allow eligible businesses, such as stores, boutiques, and hardware stores, to open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on statutory holidays.

RELATED: Quebec will expand its pilot project regarding store opening hours on weekends

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

This pilot project stems from trials conducted in recent months in three cities — Gatineau, Laval, and Saint-Georges — where businesses could stay open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, on a voluntary basis, excluding statutory holidays.

Grocery stores and pharmacies, which already benefit from an exemption to the restrictions on opening hours, are not affected by the proposed changes.

Quebec is also conducting a separate pilot project to allow adult stores to remain open until 11 p.m. every day. This pilot project is ongoing.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews