scrubbedexpat091

I have noticed one big annoyance since living in Ontario and that is the closure of so many stores on Holidays, I get Christmas being closed, but New Years Day, and smaller holidays not so much.

The years I spent in BC, many chains were open most holidays, such a labor day, New Years and the like, and looking at websites for companies such as Wal-Mart they are open in BC (where I checked.) but closed in Ontario.

So is there some rule or law in Ontario that forces stores to close on holidays?

I find it annoying as hell.

in the woods

I think its good they are closed. Some poor buggers have to work them while the rest of us are off i think sundays should be closed as well. if you can't get to the shops on the other 6 days. then it's time for a new job

Dashie

Yes. I worked in retail, we opened, the fines were not covered by the profits. People don't expect stores to be open here, so they don't go shopping. Not much point being open. Grocery stores and pharmacies can open, but I believe there are restrictions on what they can sell. I remember various sections of Shoppers being cordoned off one time I went in.

Jimbo2012

Hello "neighbour!" The state-run monopolistic alcohol-vendor being closed (or shutting early) is a bit of a culture shock, I find

scrubbedexpat091

Well I hope you never have to travel because in that case I suppose hotels and airlines should shut down as well. (the industries I work in.)

Makes no sense to close on Sunday, not everyone is religious and Sunday is just like any other day.

scrubbedexpat091

I was surprised at that as well, back in BC we had private liquor stores that were open until 11pm (government ones closed way earlier) and many private ones were even open on Christmas Day the last time I was in BC for X-mas.

This is my first time living this far east and its been a surprise at times how things can be so different.

Auld Yin

I must assume you no longer live in Ontario. There are no restrictions on what one can buy on Sundays or evenings, certainly in the GTA. The beer/liquor stores are open also. Many people shop on Sundays and expect stores to be open.

Siouxie

http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/Page..._Holidays.aspx

There are indeed laws in Ontario.

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/sta...es_90r30_e.htm

bats

Thanks. Siouxsie, interesting, that explains why the village supermarket is open on the summer long weekends and closed today. Tourist area and all that.

Dashie

I was referring to holiday opening, not Sundays.

Piff Poff

I agree with this completely the shops are open enough during the week without having to be open on statutory holidays and Sunday's

scrubbedexpat091

Sunday is not a special day, there is zero reason for stores to close on Sunday.

in the woods

I agree with you there that sunday is not a special day. I don't care if its any day but 1 day a week would be nice. I don't work in retail never have I'm not religious at all just think 1 day a week some things could close.

Alan2005

Yeah, we can't have people doing things at times that are convenient to them. Where would it end?

bats

Why stop at shops though? Theatres, restaurants, public transport, television, internet, stop them all I say. Stop this pandering.