Quebec to Allow Public Gatherings of up to 250 People Starting in August

Photo by Jason Hughes.

The Quebec government has given the green light to expand the limits on public gatherings from 50 people up to 250 people as of August 3rd. The increase applies to concert venues, theatres, and halls throughout Quebec.

“Standing, spectators must as much as possible maintain a distance of two metres between one another,” the government said. “When spectators are seated, physical distancing of 1.5 metres will be allowed, but (that limit) will not apply to people from the same household.”

With recent restrictions in place, promoters have begun booking shows at drive-in theatres, including a pair of Just for Laughs shows this weekend at the new RoyalMount Drive-In Theatre off Decarie.

In theory, today’s announcement could signal the return of live indoor and outdoor concerts in Quebec, but the costs of running a show with a severely limited capacity don’t make financial sense for most promoters or bands. Many venues are struggling given their months-long shuttering; La Vitrola on St. Laurent was forced to close last month, while sister venues Casa del Popolo and Sala Rossa are being reconfigured.

Would you be willing to go to a show or movie with up to 249 other people? Let us know in the comments below.