TORONTO -- Shoppers and merchants are reminded that under the Retail Business Holidays Act, both Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2005 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2006, are among the eight days annually when most stores must be closed.

The act, administered by the Ministry of Government Services, exempts some retail operations. Book or magazine stores under 2,400 square feet with a maximum of three employees, pharmacies under 7,500 square feet, flower shops and gas stations are among exempted businesses.

Stores may be open on holidays if exempted by specific municipal bylaws for the development or maintenance of tourism. Any questions about tourist designations or local hours of retail operation should be directed to the Municipal Clerk’s office in the specific jurisdiction.

Minimum fines for individuals opening on prohibited days of retail operation are $500 for a first offence, $2,000 for a second offence and $5,000 for a third or subsequent offence. Retail outlets may be fined up to $50,000 or the total amount of gross sales for the holiday, whichever is greater.

Enforcement of the Retail Business Holidays Act is the responsibility of local police services.

To find out which types of retail operations are exempted by the act please call the ministry at

416-326-8800 or toll free at 1-800-889-9768.