Holiday Shopping By-law Update
The City of Toronto Act exempts Toronto from the Retail Business Holidays Act. However, Council passed a bylaw, Chapter 510, Holiday Shopping By-law, that outlines what days retail businesses in Toronto must close (except those in designated tourist areas).
- New Year’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- Family Day
The bylaw states that retail businesses cannot:
A. Sell or offer any goods or services for sale on a holiday.
B. Admit members of the public to the retail business establishment on a holiday.
Note: When July 1 falls on a Sunday, July 2 is the legal holiday for Canada Day.
Exemptions
The following retailers cam remain open on holidays:
- Small retail establishments less than 2,400 square feet;
- Pharmacies less than 7,500 square feet;
- Art galleries, nurseries; gas stations; liquor licensed businesses;
- Retail businesses for education; recreation and amusement;
- Business in relation to prepared meals; living accommodations; laundromats; vehicle or boat rentals;
Tourist Area Exemptions
Businesses located in the following areas are also exempt from the By-law:
- Queens Quay West;
- Toronto Eaton Centre and the Hudson’s Bay Company (Yonge & Queen location);
- Downtown Yonge Street Business Improvement Area;
- Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area; and
- Distillery Historic District.
- See the full Chapter 510, Holiday Shopping By-law here.