Quebec bars and restaurants can operate at full capacity starting Nov. 1

MONTREAL — Quebec is lifting capacity restrictions in bars and restaurants starting today, more than a year after imposing the limits to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Health Minister Christian Dube announced last month that bars and restaurants across the province could operate at full capacity and resume normal operating hours starting Nov. 1.

Bars and restaurants gradually reopened in Quebec over the summer after being shuttered to in-person dining, but some restrictions remained.

Establishments that serve alcohol will now be allowed to stay open until 3 a.m. and the distance between tables will drop from two metres to one metre.

But there are still some rules in place — each table is limited to 10 people from no more than three different households.

The ban on dancing and singing remains in effect until further notice, and Quebecers are still required to present their vaccine passport before entering and wear masks when moving around indoors.