Quebec restaurants, bars reopening at full capacity Monday

Quebec restaurants and bars are reopening at full capacity across the province Monday after a year of restrictions.

The government is lifting the limited-capacity health measures on an industry that suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many restaurant and bar owners suffered financial hardships, with several forced to close their doors.

The return to a semblance of normalcy comes two months after the province implemented its vaccine passport system on Sept. 1.

At the Lester’s Deli in Outremont, employees and customers told CityNews they were thankful the restrictions were lifting.

The traditional Montreal spot was forced to leave 24 seats unoccupied – 50 per cent capacity.

“I don’t think people mind being a bit closer to one another when they feel comfortable knowing everyone’s been vaccinated,” said Bill Berenholc, the Lester’s owner.

Added Nicholas Charos, the Lester’s general manager: “I’m looking forward to finally having a full house and seeing everybody here, the way we used to. The families that used to come down on the weekly and have their breakfast, lunch, supper – come down with friends, associates.”