QUEBEC -- It's not quite signing the Constitution, but Quebec is joining the rest of the country in an area many people will find just as important.

For the first time, Quebecers will now be legally allowed to bring back alcohol from the rest of Canada for their personal consumption.

Finance Minister Carlos Leitao said Thursday that Quebec was the last province that prohibited residents from returning home with booze after a visit to the rest of Canada.

The maximum to be allowed will be nine litres of wine (the equivalent of 12 regular bottles), three litres of spirits and 72 bottles of beer.

Leitao and Public Security Minister Lise Theriault said in a statement those quantities are the same that are permitted in Ontario.

Quebecers are already allowed to bring home booze after trips to the United States or abroad.