7 April 2004
Shop Trading Hours for Easter And Anzac Day 2004

“The Department of Labour reminds retailers and market operators that, in general, they can’t open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and the morning of Anzac Day,” says the Department’s Principal labour Inspector, Muriel Kelly.

There are some area exemptions and exceptions say Ms Kelly “but in general a retailer shouldn’t open on those restricted days unless they have an area exemption or meet the exceptions.”

Shop trading hours are regulated by the Shop Trading Hours Repeal Act 1990, recently amended by the Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Amendment Act 2001, which allowed garden centres to open on Easter Sunday. Garden Centres are defined as ‘shops whose sole or principal business is the sale of plants or garden supplies or both’.

“While many previous restrictions on shop trading no longer exist, restrictions remain for trading on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and until one o’clock on Anzac Day” says Muriel Kelly.

The exceptions provide for certain categories of shop that may trade on restricted days. They are:

dairies and service stations selling food, drink, personal items, fuel, parts and accessories shops selling mainly souvenirs or duty-free goods restaurants and takeaway bars bookstalls at public passenger transport terminals pharmacies shops at genuine exhibitions and shows shops in areas covered by area exemptions issued by the former Shop Trading Hours Commission, under the previous law.

“Generally, these area exemptions apply to tourist resorts such as Queenstown and central Taupo. These shops may still open on all or any of the restricted days, but only if their exemption order allows them to open” said Ms Kelly.

Easter or Anzac day they can call the Employment Relations Infoline 0800 800 863, or check www.ers.dol.govt.nz for more information,” says Ms Kelly.

If a business does not clearly fit into one of the exempted categories, it is an offence to open and trade during any time the law restricts trading, and the owner or occupier of the shop may be prosecuted and be liable for a fine of up to $1,000.

Ms Kelly says Labour Inspectors will be on duty over Easter responding to complaints.

“We prefer to sort things out by talking with retailers and ensuring they are well-informed, but we will prosecute where businesses are deliberately flouting the law,” says Ms Kelly.

Recent amendments to the Sale of Liquor Act also allow wineries to sell their own wines on Easter Sunday. This legislation is not administered by the Department of Labour.

ENDS

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