diff --git a/plugins/Later/plugin.py b/plugins/Later/plugin.py
index e38c05e17..71d4742f0 100644
--- a/plugins/Later/plugin.py
+++ b/plugins/Later/plugin.py
@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@
 
 import csv
 import time
+import codecs
 import datetime
 
 import supybot.log as log
@@ -71,7 +72,7 @@ class Later(callbacks.Plugin):
 
     def _openNotes(self):
         try:
-            fd = open(self.filename, encoding='utf8')
+            fd = codecs.open(self.filename, encoding='utf8')
         except EnvironmentError as e:
             self.log.warning('Couldn\'t open %s: %s', self.filename, e)
             return