'A double standard': bar owners furious as capacity increases for stadiums and theatres

The announcement has sparked outrage among bar owners, some of whom accuse the government of favouring large venues over small, independent ones.

But the announcement has sparked outrage among bar owners, some of whom accuse the government of favouring large venues over small, independent ones.

"Once again, this coveted relief excludes bar owners: the government is acting with a double standard!" reads a press release by a Quebec bar owners' association (CPBBTQ) and bar tenants' union (UTBQ).

The bar industry suffered tremendously after businesses were forced to shutter their doors last year to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Although bars, breweries and taverns have since reopened, they can only operate at a 50 per cent capacity, restricted hours and a vaccine passport.