MEDIA STATEMENT
6 April 2011
22 Shops Found to Be Open on Good Friday

The Department of Labour visited 38 shops around the country today as part of their role supporting the shop trading laws on Good Friday.

The Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Act 1990 specifies which shops must close on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and until 1pm on ANZAC Day.

If a shop does not fall into one of the exemptions under the Act – then it is an offence to open and trade during these days. The owner or the occupier of the shop may be prosecuted and fined.

Of the 38 shops visited by Labour Inspectors today, 22 were open.

No further comment is available at this time as prosecution action may follow.

ENDS
Notes to Editor
• In 2011, 39 shops (22 on Good Friday and 17 on Easter Sunday) around the country were found to be in breach of the Act.
• In 2010, 38 shops (19 on Good Friday and 19 on Easter Sunday) around the country were found to be in breach of the Act.
• Information on Shop Trading legislation and the exemptions are available on the Department’s website.
• Information about public holidays in 2011 is available online.
• Shop owners who want more information on the Act can also phone the Department of Labour’s contact centre during business hours on 0800 20 90 20.
ends

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