COVID-19 - The SAQ changes its opening hours to give its employees a break on Sundays

MONTREAL, March 21, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - For several days now, the SAQ has been operating with reduced staff due to preventive self-isolation and the closing of schools and daycare centres. The current situation and high amount of traffic in SAQ stores mean that employees are experiencing considerable fatigue and concern. The SAQ has therefore decided to change the opening hours of the store network to give team members time to rest. Effective tomorrow and for an indeterminate period, all SAQ stores will be closed on Sundays and will reopen their doors to customers at noon on Mondays. Monday mornings will be devoted to cleaning and sanitizing the stores and restocking the shelves so that team members will be ready to start serving customers again.

For SAQ president and chief executive officer Catherine Dagenais, this exceptional measure is essential. "Our extraordinary teams have been giving their all for several days under difficult and trying circumstances. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It is now time for them to rest and be with their families. The demand on our operations in recent days shows us just how important the SAQ is in customers' daily lives, especially during the current situation. Our employees are key to keeping our business up and running and their health is a top priority."

A temporary measure that enables the SAQ to address to the situation as it currently stands, the new schedule will be regularly reviewed as the situation evolves. In the meantime, the SAQ is counting on customers' cooperation limiting in-store traffic as much as possible and following all Public Health guidelines. Customers who have recently returned from abroad, who exhibit flu-like symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-10 should refrain from visiting stores.

Shopping online remains the best option
Online sales through SAQ.COM or the mobile app remain available to the public. Delivery via Canada Post also remains available. In addition, all delivery fees will be donated to Food Banks of Quebec. Please note, however, that delivery times may be significantly longer than usual due to the sharp increase in demand.

All prevention measures already implemented in the SAQ store network remain in effect. The SAQ has earlier reduced its opening hours, with stores opening no earlier than 10 a.m. and closing no later than 6 p.m.

SOURCE Société des alcools du Québec - SAQ