Shops can stay open on Monday following Anzac Day

Shops are to be allowed to open in Western Australia on the Monday public holiday following Anzac Day.

"The decision will give retailers the opportunity to trade for an extra day, which I am sure will be welcomed in these difficult economic times," Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson said today.

"It will also be a benefit to consumers to shop on the public holiday, and there is no doubt that the tourism industry will also support the decision," Mrs Henderson said.

"In the past, when Anzac Day has fallen on a Saturday, shops have been closed on both the Saturday and the following Monday public holiday.

"This year, as a result of retailers' concern about losing two days' trading, Cabinet has approved an exemption from the Act which will allow them to trade on April 27.

"Retailers will have a choice as to whether to trade or not.

"The decision is consistent with the Government's commitment to free-up trading hours in unusual circumstances."

Mrs Henderson said she understood that the Returned Services League had no objection to the Monday being a trading day.