TORONTO, Aug. 25 /CNW/ - Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under
the Retail Business Holidays Act (the "Act") Labour Day, Monday, September 1,
2003 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 from the requirement that businesses remain
closed and offer no goods for sale. 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. Also, stores may, but are not required to be, open Sundays
other than Easter Sunday, unless prohibited by the municipality. 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.

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