Pre-Christmas trading hours for metropolitan retailers announced

2/10/98

Retailers in the metropolitan area will be able to trade late on three consecutive days prior to Christmas Eve, Fair Trading Minister Doug Shave announced today.

Shops throughout the metropolitan area will also be able to open between midday and 6pm on the Sundays before and after Christmas.

"The hours, based on recommendations of the Retail Shops Advisory Committee which represents consumers, small retailers, other traders and employees, will meet shoppers' needs in the pre-Christmas rush," Mr Shave said.

Christmas trading hours will be:

Sunday December 20 - Open midday to 6pm

Monday December 21 - Open 8am to 9pm

Tuesday December 22 - Open 8am to 9pm

Wednesday December 23 - Open 8am to 9pm

Thursday December 24 - Open 8am to 6pm

Christmas Day - Closed

Boxing Day - Closed

Sunday December 27 - Open midday to 6pm

Monday December 28 - Closed

"The decision on metropolitan area shopping hours balances the views of many different interests," Mr Shave said.

Closing shops for more than two days over the Christmas period would not have been in the public interest.

"The hours are more generous this year for retailers," the Minister said.

"However, the wishes of employees and small retailers were taken into account in shortening late night trading on Christmas Eve.

"Retailers and shoppers will be able to make the most of the usual sales on the Sunday after Christmas. Trading has been limited to the afternoon on Sunday, December 20 and 27, in accordance with the wishes of the Association of Heads of Churches."

The Minister emphasised that shop owners would not be obliged to open during the extended trading periods.

These trading hours would apply only to general retail shops. Retail outlets with a Small or Special Shops Certificate could trade outside these hours.

Local authorities in country areas could apply to the Ministry of Fair Trading for Christmas trading hours which suited their localities.

Media contact: John Clune (08) 9213 6500