You Can Be Fined Up To $6,000 For Dining At Quebec Red-Zone Restaurants That Reopen Early

The Deputy Premier responded to Temaki Sushi Bar's plan to reopen on Friday.
Senior Writer

Responding to a Quebec red-zone restaurant that's planning on defying public health orders by reopening on Friday, Deputy Premier Geneviève Guilbault reminded Quebecers that not only can the owner of establishments be fined — so can customers. 

In a press conference on November 4, Guilbault warned citizens not to go to open restaurants in red zones. 

She compared the situation to a recent scuffle between the provincial government and gym owners when a coalition of 200 gyms and fitness centres in Quebec red-zones had said they were planning on reopening on October 29.

Editor's Choice: This Red Zone Restaurant In Quebec Plans To Reopen On Friday Despite The Ban In Place

We had adopted a decree [...] to be able to issue tickets to people who frequent these places despite the ban.

Geneviève Guilbault

Guilbault explained that the government "adopted a decree in order to be able to issue tickets" to both owners and patrons of gyms. 

She said this order also applies "to other types of businesses that would open in the red zone."

According to an October 28 tweet by Health Minister Christian Dubé, fines for "people that are in places where activities are suspended" range from $1,000 to $6,000.  

These spaces include gyms, dining rooms of restaurants, bars and cinemas.

"We have to break the wave," wrote Dubé.

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

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