Proof of vaccination is now required to enter SAQ liquor stores (Société des alcools du Québec) and SQDC pot shops (Société québécoise du cannabis) in the province. The measure is designed to encourage Quebecers to get their first shot.

Quebec on Tuesday began requiring anyone wishing to buy alcohol or cannabis in person to show proof of vaccination at about 500 government-owned retail locations. Would-be shoppers at Société des alcools du Québec and Société québécoise du cannabis stores now need to exhibit their government-issued vaccine passport and personal ID to be allowed inside.

SAQ’s Union expressed its concern for the safety of branch employees on Tuesday morning.

In a news release, the union is calling for the presence of a security guard at SAQ branches at all times “to avoid employees finding themselves in an uncomfortable, even dangerous situation if they find someone who is Denying access to a store that has not been vaccinated and is adamant about this new obligation.”

Quebec shoppers had better get used to flashing their vaccine passport. Premier François Legault said Thursday that the document will become mandatory in big-box retailers such as Costco, Walmart and Canadian Tire starting Jan. 24. Small stores — covering less than 1,500 square metres, or about 16,000 square feet — and common areas of malls will be exempted from the measure, as will all retailers whose main business comes from food sales or pharmacy operations, the premier added.

About eight per cent of Quebecers ages 12 and over have yet to receive at least one dose of the vaccine, according to data compiled by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, and close to 90 per cent of Quebecers ages 12 and over are considered to be adequately vaccinated.

Quebec registered about 6,000 first dose appointment requests on the day the passport requirement at the SAQ and SQDC was made public — four times the previous daily average of 1,500.