Summary

This bill voids restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses that prevent land from being used as a grocery store or supermarket, whether those restrictions were created before or after the bill comes into force. The minister may exempt pre-existing restrictions if they do not unduly impede competition and serve the public interest.

Property owners and developers sometimes agree not to allow competing grocery stores on nearby land, either through restrictive covenants (promises about how land can be used) or exclusivity clauses (promises that only one business of a certain type can operate in an area). This bill makes those agreements void when they restrict grocery stores or supermarkets. Any new restriction created after the bill passes is automatically void. Existing restrictions are also void unless the minister grants an exemption by determining the restriction does not unduly impede competition and is in the public interest. The bill does not apply to restrictions imposed by governments, municipalities, or other public bodies, nor to building or zoning restrictions. Exclusivity clauses that benefit someone other than a supermarket owner are amended to remove only the supermarket restriction.