A small change is being made, under the regulations for Newfoundland and Labrador’s Shops’ Closing Act, ahead of the legalization of recreational-use cannabis.
The rules currently say “drug stores” don’t have to close on shop closing days, the official holidays.
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Now before the House of Assembly, Bill 20 sets out the proposed Control and Sale of Cannabis Act (a.k.a. the Cannabis Control Act). It includes a proposed change, to switch “drug stores” under the shop closing rules to “pharmacies.”
Businesses able to stay open include, for example, art galleries, book shops, rental car outlets and neighbourhood convenience stores. The list would include pharmacies, but not weed shops.
Apart from some municipal holidays, the Shops’ Closing Act sets holidays applicable to all areas of the province, including: Easter Sunday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Victoria Day and Memorial Day-Canada Day.
