Our recent updates regarding COVID-19

Quebec government announcement regarding vaccine passport for SAQ customers and business partners

Following the announcement by the Quebec government, all SAQ customers and partners will be required to show a proof of vaccination and physical photo ID to access our stores.

All those who wish to enter SAQ stores or access the Montreal Specialized Centre (CSM) must provide proof of adequate vaccination coverage.

When will the vaccine passport be required to enter SAQ stores?
January 18, 2022 is the official date on which this measure will be applied to all customers.
Are we aware of an end date for the vaccine passport proof?
This measure is in effect from January 18, 2022 for an unspecified period. This decision belongs to the Quebec government and health authorities.
Who must show the vaccine passport?
All customers 18 years and over must have their vaccine passport.
All accompanying children aged 13 and over. 
Children aged 12 and under are not required to present the vaccine passport.
All types of customers (clients, permit holders, SAQ Agencies and clients who order online) that visit SAQ stores (including Cash and carry) or who wish to access the Montreal specialized centre (CSM).
What documents are accepted as adequate vaccination proof?
- VaxiCode adequate vaccination proof (cell phone or paper).
- Canadian proof of vaccination for customers outside Quebec.
- Store access will be refused to all customers who do not show adequate proof of vaccination.
If I order online before January 18, but my order arrives after January 18, can I pick it up in-store anyway?
No. After January 18, you will need to show your proof of vaccination and photo ID in order to pick up your online order, even if you ordered online before that date. In any other situation, we invite you to choose home delivery when placing your order.

Vaccination Passport

As of February 16, the vaccination passport will no longer be required to access our stores. We would like to thank our employees and our customers for their collaboration over the past few weeks in applying and respecting this measure.

Preventive measures in branch

The SAQ is committed to communicating transparently with our employees and the public throughout this exceptional situation.

Here are the changes made in branch in accordance with the guidelines of the Public Health Agency, and what you need to know on your next visit:

Hand washing at the entrance and wearing a face cover is mandatory.
The physical distance of two (2) meters must be respected at all times: inside our stores and in the outside queue or at the cash.
Please prefer paying by debit or credit card rather than cash.

These government and public health directives are also applied by the SAQ to all of its branch employees who have contact with customers. The SAQ relies on the collaboration of its employees and customers to ensure compliance with the directives issued by Public Health.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in voluntary isolation, we ask that you respect this isolation and stay home. Our employees may ask you to leave the branch and opt for online shopping.

We are aware that the application of preventive measures could cause a slowdown at the checkouts or cause us to temporarily restrict access to the branch if the traffic does not allow social distancing standards to be respected.

We invite you to respect these measures and we count on your understanding to allow our employees to properly apply public health directives.

Our stores are now dedicated to preparing online orders. Order online, pick up and pay in-store.

PICK UP YOUR ONLINE ORDER IN-STORE

Following the closure of SAQ stores, some of our stores will be transformed into pick up points for purchases made online.

Here is what you need to know about this new method to buy your products:

Add products to your cart as you would to order online.
Proceed through the different stages of confirming your order. You will have the option to choose the store where you want to pick up your order.
An order confirmation email will be sent to you. Bring this email with you to the store to collect your purchase.
You’ll pay for your order when you pick it up in-store.
You can’t change your order once it’s sent.
Due to increased demand, availability is not guaranteed. You’ll pay only for the products you’ll pick up in-store.
All SALES ARE FINAL after your payment in-store: no exchange or refund. For any defective product, please keep your receipt and your bottle until our activities return to normal.
No promotion will be applied, including Inspire points on products and SAQ Dépôt promotions.

WHEN WILL MY ORDER BE READY?

You will receive a call from your store. Employees work hard to assemble orders; avoid calling them to facilitate their work!

Plan your holiday shopping

The holiday period generates an increase in online orders and store traffic. Here is some useful information in order for you to plan your holiday shopping.

If you visit a store, more than ever, it’s very important to respect all Public health guidelines and our preventive measures.

Frequently asked questions during the holidays

Good to know before visiting a store:

Waiting time

We cannot estimate the average waiting time per store;

Avoid calling in-store or Customer service to know the waiting time per store: we’re working hard to serve you faster in order to reduce the waiting time;

Shop smart: check the availability of your favourite products on the website or the mobile application before visiting a store. Keep in mind! If there’s a small quantity left of a product, it might be sold-out by the time you get to the store.

Sanitary measures applied in-store

Restriction on the number of clients admitted in-store: Please note that we follow government measures relating to the number of clients allowed in each store. Please refer to the sign indicating the number of clients admitted at the entrance of your store.

Accepted face coverings: Accepted face coverings must cover the nose and mouth. They may be surgical masks or cloth masks, without holes and clean. Clear plastic and floating face coverings (open) and face shields are not accepted.

Hand cleaning with a hydroalcoholic solution upon your arrival: In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we offer a hydroalcoholic solution that complies with Public health and Health Canada requirements in the entrance of our stores. We ask that you clean your hands with this solution upon your arrival in-store, and not to use your own hydroalcoholic solution.

Stores’ opening hours?

Check out the opening hours of the store of your choice.

In-store returns

Yes, returns are accepted in-store during the holiday period.

Information on COVID-19 cases in-store

We publish an updated list as soon as a COVID-19 case is confirmed among one of our employees. See details.

Protect our employees so that they can continue to serve you.

Online shopping

What is the deadline to order online and receive my purchases in time for December 24?
You must order on December 13 at the latest in order to receive your purchases in time for December 24.
The deadline is the same for home delivery and in-store delivery.

What is the delivery time?
Online orders are currently being delivered in 3 to 10 business days.

How do I know when my package will be ready to be picked up in-store?
You will receive an email informing you that your package is ready to be picked up in-store. To avoid waiting in line, discover our Express pickup in-store service.

How can I follow the progress of my shipment?
You will receive a tracking number in the order confirmation email. Just click on it to follow the progress of your shipment.

Picking up your order

What is Express pickup?
Express pickup offers you the possibility to make your purchases online and to pick up your package in-store without having to wait in line. It’s not a curbside pickup service, but a practical option to pick up your package quickly.

How does it work?
1. Buy online.
2. Select In-store delivery upon payment.
3. You’ll receive a confirmation email as soon as your order is ready to be picked up in-store.
4. Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email.
5. An employee will tell you where to collect your package.

Is it a curbside pickup service?
Express pickup is not a curbside pickup service. Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email and an employee will tell you where to collect your package. For example, you might be told to go the store’s back door, or elsewhere in the store to collect your package.

What if I want to make additional purchases in-store when I pick up my package?
In fairness to all clients, we ask that you wait in line if you want to make additional purchases in-store while picking up your package.

Do I have to wait in line to pick up my online order?
No, unless you want to make additional purchases in-store. Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email to know where to collect your package.

Plan your holiday shopping

The holiday period generates an increase in online orders and store traffic. Here is some useful information in order for you to plan your holiday shopping.

If you visit a store, more than ever, it’s very important to respect all Public health guidelines and our preventive measures.

Frequently asked questions during the holidays

Good to know before visiting a store:

Waiting time

- we cannot estimate the average waiting time per store;

- avoid calling in-store or Customer service to know the waiting time per store: we’re working hard to serve you faster in order to reduce the waiting time;

- shop smart: check the availability of your favourite products on the website or the mobile application before visiting a store. Keep in mind! If there’s a small quantity left of a product, it might be sold-out by the time you get to the store.

Sanitary measures applied in-store

What are stores’ opening hours?

Stores will have extended opening hours during the holiday period.

Starting December 9 for SAQ Dépôt
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 26: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
December 27 to 30: usual schedule
December 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting December 13 for SAQ, SAQ Sélection and SAQ Express

SAQ Express
December 13 au 23: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
December 24: opening according to the usual schedule, closing time 7 p.m.
December 26: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
December 27 to 30: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
December 31: opening according to the usual schedule, closing time 7 p.m.

SAQ
December 14 to 23: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(except Saturday and Sunday, during which the usual schedule applies)
December 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 26: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
December 27 to 30: usual schedule
December 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except stores that usually close at 8 p.m., which will remain open until 7 p.m.)

SAQ Sélection
December 13 to 20: usual schedule (except Thursday and Friday, closing time is 9 p.m.)
December 21 to 23: 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 26: opening time is 1 p.m., closing time according to the usual schedule
December 27 to 30: usual schedule
December 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Check the opening hours of the store of your choice on our website.

In-store returns: Yes, returns are accepted in-store during the holiday period.

Information on COVID-19 cases in-store: We publish an updated list as soon as a COVID-19 case is confirmed among one of our employees. See details.

Protect our employees so that they can continue to serve you.

Online shopping
What is the deadline to order online and receive my purchases in time for December 24?
You must order on December 13 at the latest in order to receive your purchases in time for December 24.
Is the deadline the same for home delivery and in-store delivery?
Yes.
What is the delivery time?
Online orders are currently being delivered in 3 to 10 business days.
How do I know when my package will be ready to be picked up in-store?
You will receive an email informing you that your package is ready to be picked up in-store. To avoid waiting in line, discover our Express pickup in-store service.
How can I follow the progress of my shipment?
You will receive a tracking number in the order confirmation email. Just click on it to follow the progress of your shipment.
Picking up my package
What is Express pickup?
Express pickup offers you the possibility to make your purchases online and to pick up your package in-store without having to wait in line. It’s not a curbside pickup service, but a practical option to pick up your package quickly.
How does it work?
- Buy online.
- Select In-store delivery upon payment.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email as soon as your order is ready to be picked up in-store.
- Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email.
- An employee will tell you where to collect your package.
Is it a curbside pickup service?
Express pickup is not a curbside pickup service. Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email and an employee will tell you where to collect your package. For example, you might be told to go the store’s back door, or elsewhere in the store to collect your package.
What if I want to make additional purchases in-store when I pick up my package?
In fairness to all clients, we ask that you wait in line if you want to make additional purchases in-store while picking up your package.
Do I have to wait in line to pick up my online order?
No, unless you want to make additional purchases in-store. Once at the store, call the number mentioned in the confirmation email to know where to collect your package.

Our preventive measures in stores

Dear customers, here are the in-store changes to comply with Public Health guidelines, along with what you need to know for your next visit at your local SAQ store.

The number of customers allowed per store is restricted to the following:

SAQ and SAQ Express: a maximum of 7
SAQ Sélection: a maximum of 15
SAQ Dépôt: a maximum of 35 for the stores in Montréal’s Marché Central and Québec (25 for other stores)

- We ask that you comply with the 2-meter distance between you and others at all times: in lineups outside and in, and at the cash. New floor signs will help you respect this distance.
- To contribute to your protection and the protection of our employees, plexiglas barriers will also be installed at checkout counters to minimize contacts.
- Be part of our team: handle the bottles yourself (scanning and bagging) and refrain from touching bottles you’re not planning on buying.
- Present your cell phone or Inspire card so the cashier can scan it without contact.
- As much as possible, please pay with your credit or debit card instead of cash.
- Smile, thank and encourage our staff; remember we’re all in this together.

Also note:

- Tastings are no longer available.
- Open-bottle returns and exchanges are not accepted at this time. Please keep your open bottles at home with your receipt to exchange them at a more fitting time.
- Our employees must wash their hands at least every 30 minutes, no matter how busy the store is. We recommend you do the same.
- Our cash counters, client screens, terminals, phones, payment terminals, baskets, and other surfaces are regularly cleaned.
- Our car service is reduced. If necessary, employees will place boxes in your open trunk instead of your passenger compartment.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or are in voluntary isolation, we ask that you abide by this isolation. Our employees can ask you to leave the store and opt for online shopping.

We are aware that preventive measures may cause clients to wait longer at checkout or might require us to temporarily restrict access to the store if we are not able to enforce social distance standards.

We ask everyone to comply with these measures and we are counting on your collaboration to help our employees enforce the guidelines issued by Public Health officials.

Good to know before you shop online

To better serve you, we added more quantities of our most popular products. Discover our online selection.

Our teams are hard at work preparing the high number of orders we are currently receiving. Although we handle, pack and ship your orders as fast as we can, we cannot guarantee shipping and delivery delays at this point.

If you choose the Home delivery option, please note that packages are delivered by Canada Post. Our partner's current policy is to leave a Delivery Notice card at your home; you will need to collect your package at the designated location, showing proof of identity and providing a signature. If you are sick or placed in self-isolation, please ask someone to pick up these items for you. Find out more

Delivery costs of $12 will be entirely donated to the Food Banks of Quebec to help them cope with the current situation. By selecting Home delivery, you are supporting a cause that can help us all during these difficult times.

The SAQ responds to call from Food Banks of Quebec

Answering a cry for help from the country’s food banks, the SAQ is donating $1 million to Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ). The move is in support of Quebecers who find themselves in dire and unforeseen circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning today and until further notice, the SAQ will also donate to the FBQ the $12 delivery fee it collects for every order submitted online on SAQ.COM.

The SAQ is also encouraging customers to join the effort to support food banks by making a donation online through the FBQ website.

See all our press releases related to COVID-19.

Learn more about confirmed COVID-19 cases in-store.

Press releases

July 29, 2020 | COVID-19 – Preventive Closing of Three Stores in Blainville and Mirabel
After eight of its employees tested positive for COVID-19 recently, the SAQ has announced the preventive closing of three stores on Montreal’s North Shore.
The following stores are affected:
- SAQ Sélection, 259 De la Seigneurie Blvd. West, Blainville, J7C 4N3
- SAQ Dépôt, 1395 Michèle-Bohec Blvd., Blainville, J7C 0M4
- SAQ Classique, 13370 Curé-Labelle Blvd., Mirabel, J7J 1G9
In compliance with public health guidelines, each of the stores will be deep cleaned by a specialized firm. In addition, all employees who have worked in the stores in recent days will be required to preventively self-isolate and take a COVID-19 screening test as soon as possible. The three stores will remain closed until further notice.
The SAQ notes that this exceptional measure applies only to the above three stores. All other SAQ stores remain open.
Although public health contact tracing has not identified any customers who should preventively self-isolate, the SAQ encourages everyone who visited one of the three stores recently to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.
For more information or should symptoms occur, call 1‑877-644-4545 or visit the website https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/
Reminder of the mitigation measures implemented by the SAQ From the start of the crisis, the SAQ has strictly complied with all recommendations issued by public health authorities. It has also applied the required protocol for all confirmed COVID-19 cases. When employees tell their reporting officer that they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they are encouraged to preventively self-isolate, as are the employees who work alongside them.
"The safety of our employees and customers is of paramount importance and all the measures necessary to ensure it have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Jacques Farcy, Vice-President, Sales Network Operations, at the SAQ. “That is why we didn’t hesitate when deciding to close the three stores today or to be completely open with our employees, customers and the general public about this exceptional measure."
For more information about the mitigation measures implemented by the SAQ in response to the pandemic, see https://www.saq.com/en/covid19-mitigation-measures.
About the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ)
Created in 1921, the SAQ imports, distributes and sells a broad range of wines, beers and spirits. Its sales network comprises 410 stores and 426 agency stores located throughout Quebec and a transactional website, SAQ.com. Driven by the passion and know-how of its 7,000 employees, the SAQ offers Quebecers a world of discovery, with more than 35,000 products from 3,700 suppliers in 80 countries. In fiscal 2019-2020, the SAQ supported some 3,000 organizations and events and paid a dividend of $1.226 to the Government of Quebec, while also ensuring its business activities respected local communities and the environment.
March 26, 2020 | COVID-19 – Thank you for doing your part for everyone's well-being
Dear customers,
For nearly two weeks now, we’ve been faced with unusual circumstances that have had major consequences for our society and on everyone’s lives. We’re aware of the impact they’ve had on your shopping experience, both in store and online, and we want to assure you that we’re doing everything we can to ensure better service and a selection of products that meets your expectations.
I’d like to assure you that our stores will remain open, and we’re confident that we’ll continue to be well stocked. Despite the sense of urgency we’re all feeling, there’s no need to worry or rush. Furthermore, preventive measures continue to be applied in our stores to ensure a safe shopping experience. We trust we can count on each and every one of you, and we ask that you follow Public Health guidelines and refrain from visiting our stores if you should be in preventive isolation or if you have symptoms.
Due to the exceptional volume, online orders are encountering unusually long delivery wait times. Please know that we’re working to find solutions to improve this service.
The current situation is difficult for everyone, so I’d like to thank you for being courteous towards our employees, who are doing their very best to serve you every day.
Catherine Dagenais President and CEO
March 21, 2020 | COVID-19 – The SAQ changes its opening hours to give its employees a break on Sundays
Montreal, March 21, 2020 – For several days now, the SAQ has been operating with reduced staff due to preventive self-isolation and the closing of schools and daycare centres. The current situation and high amount of traffic in SAQ stores mean that employees are experiencing considerable fatigue and concern. The SAQ has therefore decided to change the opening hours of the store network to give team members time to rest. Effective tomorrow and for an indeterminate period, all SAQ stores will be closed on Sundays and will reopen their doors to customers at noon on Mondays. Monday mornings will be devoted to cleaning and sanitizing the stores and restocking the shelves so that team members will be ready to start serving customers again.

For SAQ president and chief executive officer Catherine Dagenais, this exceptional measure is essential. “Our extraordinary teams have been giving their all for several days under difficult and trying circumstances. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. It is now time for them to rest and be with their families. The demand on our operations in recent days shows us just how important the SAQ is in customers’ daily lives, especially during the current situation. Our employees are key to keeping our business up and running and their health is a top priority.”

A temporary measure that enables the SAQ to address to the situation as it currently stands, the new schedule will be regularly reviewed as the situation evolves. In the meantime, the SAQ is counting on customers’ cooperation limiting in-store traffic as much as possible and following all Public Health guidelines. Customers who have recently returned from abroad, who exhibit flu-like symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-10 should refrain from visiting stores.
Shopping online remains the best option
Online sales through SAQ.COM or the mobile app remain available to the public. Delivery via Canada Post also remains available. In addition, all delivery fees will be donated to Food Banks of Quebec. Please note, however, that delivery times may be significantly longer than usual due to the sharp increase in demand.

All prevention measures already implemented in the SAQ store network remain in effect. The SAQ has earlier reduced its opening hours, with stores opening no earlier than 10 a.m. and closing no later than 6 p.m.

March 17, 2020 | Coming together in the face of COVID-19 : A message from Catherine Dagenais, President and CEO of the SAQ
Montreal, March 17, 2020
Dear clients and members,
In this difficult period of uncertainty, we know that every one of you is growing increasingly concerned about the COVID-19 virus. Rest assured that we stand together and that all our stores have implemented strict prevention measures that will allow our team to continue serving you. Our top priority remains the health of our employees and clients.
This situation is quickly evolving and every day we are faced with new challenges. Despite this, employees in our stores and distribution centres are doing everything they can to make sure the products you are looking for are available and that our customer service meets your expectations. We want to thank them for their hard work and dedication. They share your concerns for their own health and the health of their loved ones.
To help you continue purchasing your products with complete peace of mind, we are asking all our employees and clients to follow the guidelines issued by public health officials. If you are currently in preventive isolation or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please purchase your products online on SAQ.COM or on the mobile app instead of in store. We will do everything we can to make sure you receive your items as quickly as possible.
In addition to no longer offering samples in our stores, our employees must all follow these preventive measures:
- They must wash their hands at least every 30 minutes, no matter how many clients are in the store.
- They will regularly clean cash counters, client screens, terminals, phones, payment terminals, baskets, and other surfaces.
- They will make sure only a certain number of clients will be permitted in the store at once. This will allow everyone to keep a safe distance from each other.
- They will avoid touching payment cards, Inspire cards, or clients’ phones and will ask you to handle these yourself.
- They will invite clients to pay by card (debit, credit) in order to minimize the handling of cash.
- They will reduce car service. If necessary, employees will place boxes in your open trunk instead of your passenger compartment.
- They will ask clients who are showing visible flu-like symptoms or who openly state they are in voluntary isolation to leave the store and to purchase their products on SAQ.COM.
We are aware that preventive measures may cause clients to wait longer at checkout or might require us to temporarily restrict access to the store if we are not able to enforce social distance standards. We ask everyone to comply with these measures and we are counting on your collaboration to help our employees enforce the guidelines issued by public health officials.
By working together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your continued trust.
Catherine Dagenais, President

March 13th, 2020 | COVID-19: Risk mitigation measures at the SAQ
Montreal, March 13, 2020 – The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) is sensitive to Quebecers’ growing concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and has implemented measures aimed at minimizing the health risks for employees and customers and ensuring a safe working and shopping environment. The SAQ’s senior management has set up a dedicated committee that meets daily to assess the level of risk associated with COVID-19 and make sure the appropriate procedures have been implemented and explained to employees and customers.
In-store measures
Effective immediately, the SAQ will not hold tastings of any kind in its store network until the pandemic is over. This covers tastings for customers and well as employee tastings with industry representatives.
The SAQ has also implemented additional sanitary measures, including:
- More frequent cleaning of its stores, especially the Inspire touch-screen terminals and payment terminals;
- Making antiviral products, such as hand sanitizers, available to employees and customers;
- Regularly reminding all employees of the hygiene practices they should adopt to avoid transmitting the virus, in particular frequent hand-washing.
As a precaution, the SAQ has asked all its employees, including store employees, who have travelled abroad in the last two weeks to stay at home after returning. They will be paid for the 14-day self-isolation period. Similarly, the SAQ encourages customers who have recently travelled abroad or are experiencing flu-like symptoms to do their shopping online on SAQ.com or via the mobile app instead of at a store.
SAQ Inspire and SAQ Signature events cancelled
In accordance with the recommendations issued yesterday by the Quebec government and to avoid unnecessary gatherings, the SAQ is cancelling or postponing all events for SAQ Inspire and SAQ Signature customers through the end of May. The impacted customers will be contacted with the cancellation details as soon as possible.
Impact on supply
At this point, the SAQ does not anticipate any product supply problems in its stores. The Category Management team is in constant contact with producers around the globe to stay informed of the latest developments. The SAQ also notes that, according to Health Canada, products from countries experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak do not pose a particular risk.
Employee health and well-being
Our employees are essential to our continued operation and their health is our top concern. That is why the SAQ has issued the following additional guidelines, which remain in effect until further notice:
- All employees who can do so are encouraged to work from home;
- All business meetings with agents, suppliers and other visitors will be by videoconferencing or telephone;
- In addition to cancelling all business travel by employees, the SAQ recommends that employees cancel any personal travel abroad they may have planned through April 30.