On recent past holidays, police in 8 District received complaints from members of the public regarding two large retail establishments that were open on a statutory holiday in defiance of the Act, and have issued warnings. In both cases, the businesses closed voluntarily.
Canada Day is July 1, 2016. The Retail Business Holidays Act of Ontario prohibits the carrying on of a retail business on a statutory holiday. Certain businesses are exempt from this law, such as:
- Variety stores and antique shops, provided they are under 2,400 square feet in size and employ no more than 3 employees.
- Pharmacies, provided they are no larger than 7,500 square feet.
- Gas stations, nurseries, fresh fruit stands
- Tourist establishments
- Recreation and Amusement parks
On recent past holidays, police in 8 District received complaints from members of the public regarding two large retail establishments that were open on a statutory holiday in defiance of the Act, and have issued warnings. In both cases, the businesses closed voluntarily.
The purpose of this media release is to advise the public and business owners that members of 8 District will be actively patrolling for businesses that are open in defiance of the Act on Canada Day. 8 District is made up of the communities of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln.
Please refer to the Act in its entirety at the link below
https://ontario.ca/laws/statute/90r30
