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Holiday Shopping By-law Update

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.

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