SAQ to Remain Open: Deemed Essential Business
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SAQ is among the few businesses in Quebec that have so far survived closure due to the growing spike of covid-19 cases in Canada. The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) are part of the 14 other businesses that will remain open.
The industry in Quebec has been divided into 9 different categories:
SAQ
- Building Sector
- Banking and Financial Services
- Media and Telecommunication
- Businesses
- Manufacturing Activities
- Maintainance and Operation of Stratic Infrastructures
- Government Services
- Public Services
- Healthcare services.
Under each of these, certain stores will remain open, and SAQ which has been placed under the business category will remain open during the forced closure of the rest of the stores due to the covid-19 virus.
Hotels are also part of the business that will remain open, however, there is no news on whether the land-based casino at these establishments will remain open. Which means players may have to depend solely on the online casinos for any gambling pleasures.
SAQ: An Essential Business
Essential Businesses
SAQ has been deemed an essential business and has survived the dreaded covid-19 outbreak. As such, Quebecers will be allowed to buy alcohol and cannabis at the government-run stores that sell them.
Premier Francois Legault announced that all the other stores that were as non-essential will have to close as of midnight up to the 13th of April. This is an attempt to stop the virus spreading throughout Quebec and Canada as a whole.
However, even before the government had given SAQ and SQDC the right to remain open, they had already stared that they will not close. They had opted to serve a limited number of clients at a time. But since they have given the green light to remain open, they can now serve their client as per government regulations.
Current SAQ Working Hours
SAQ working hours
SAQ, 2 days ago announced that all their stores will now be closed on Sundays. This was as the schools and the days were now closed. They announced that they will close on Sunday to give their workers time to spend with their families.
The SAQ president Catherine Dagenais said on Saturday that “ I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It is now time for them to rest and be with their families.”
Customers were encouraged to shop online on the SAQ website or they can use the mobile application. Moreover, the purchases can also be delivered by Canda Post and the fees will be donated to the Food Banks of Quebec.
As for the working hours, they will open no earlier than 10 am and close no later than 6 pm.
Conclusion
SAQ, as one the essential business encourages everyone to make sure that they stay safe during this time. That means that they have to make sure that they wash their hands and avoid unnecessary movement.
Moreover, in an attempt to make sure that you don’t move unnecessary they have stated that your orders can be delivered by Canada Post as they know that most under are self- isolation. But even under self-isolation, you need a glass or two of wine, as such SAQ has you covered.
