Gambling enthusiasts in Quebec had much to celebrate as the provincial government revealed that pandemic–related health and safety restrictions would be significantly eased from the 8th of November. This means that casinos, bars and restaurants will be permitted to operate at full capacity, provided that they adhere to specific government-mandated protocols.
This newest development follows several months of enforced shutdowns of casino properties and subsequent restricted re-openings. Under the restrictions, gaming venues were subjected to capacity restrictions and strict health and safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Full Steam Ahead
Quebec’s provincial government has stated that the new protocols will require casino patrons to provide proof of vaccination and that a mask mandate will be enforced for indoor venues, except for casino dining areas or restaurants.
Thanks to this announcement, restaurants can now take group reservations up to 10 individuals per table or the equivalent of the occupants of three residences. Some areas will also see the social distancing requirement dropped to only one meter.
Casinos will be operating under the same reservation-related restrictions with their operating hours limited to a 2 a.m. closing time and a ban on alcohol sales after 1 a.m. Visitors to live entertainment events at clubs, pubs, and casinos will be required to remain seated at their tables while dancing, singing, and karaoke are still prohibited.
Incentivising survival
A vaccine lottery promotion named ‘Lotto Vax’ was launched by the provincial government earlier in the year to encourage residents to get fully vaccinated by offering huge draw prizes.
Aside from several cash prizes, the lottery promotion also offered scholarships for vaccinated teenagers. Four weekly draws took place in August and the $1,000,000 top prize was claimed by Williams Carrière, from Montérégie. The 16 scholarships for teenagers are worth CA$20,000 each and were awarded to lucky youth from across the province.
