Friday, 3 April 2015

Whole Foods Fine

Q87: Before September 1st, will Whole Foods be fined at least $10,000 for being open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Ottawa?
Yes: 20%
(If the amount of the fine can't be publicly determined, the answer will be deemed no.  An announcement of a fine is sufficient for a yes answer, even if the fine is later reduced on appeal)

Whole Foods at Lansdowne Park has decided to stay open on Good Friday and (possibly) Easter Sunday this year, defying Ontario holiday laws.  Businesses breaking the law can be fined up to the greater of $50,000 or the total amount of gross sales for the holiday, although the minimum fine is only $500.  Lisa MacLeod has expressed her disapproval of the decision.

I do not think Whole Foods will end up paying a significant fine.  The unpopularity of the current law will make it harder to fine them.  The tendency will be to have them pay a small fine (or possibly no fine at all).

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