TORONTO, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under the Retail Business Holidays Act (the Act), Labour Day, Monday, September 6,
2004, is 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. Flower shops, gas stations and book or magazine stores under 2,400 square feet, with a maximum of three employees, are among exempted businesses.
Stores may be open in locations established as tourist areas by specific municipal bylaws. 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 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 found guilty may be fined up to $50,000 or the total amount of gross sales for the day, whichever is greater. Enforcement of the Retail Business Holidays Act is the responsibility of local police services.
To find out which retail operations are exempted by the Act please call the ministry at (416) 326-8800 in Toronto or toll free at 1-800-889-9768. The text telephone numbers are (416) 325-3408 or 1-800-268-7095. Visit the website at
www.cbs.gov.on.ca.
