An advocate of shopping hours reform has warned of a public backlash against shops that open for business before 1pm on Anzac Day.
Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, who has long advocated for Easter trading laws
An advocate of shopping hours reform has warned of a public backlash against shops that open for business before 1pm on Anzac Day.
Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, who has long advocated for Easter trading laws to be sorted out, warns all retailers to stick to the law.
“Shops that break the law and open tomorrow morning could be fined by the Department of Labour, but worse they could be labelled disrespectful and unpatriotic,” he says.
“We’re telling shops to keep their doors shut. Trying to make a buck on Anzac Day morning would be seen as bad taste.”
He says shops that can legally trade on Anzac Day morning include dairies and service stations, as well as cafés that serve ready-to-eat food.
But garden centres, hardware stores or music shops are not allowed to legally trade before 1pm. If they do open they could be fined $1000.
Farmers markets and market stalls can open in the morning if they are part of a show or exhibition, although Mr Brewer says confusion still surrounds the status of Sunday morning markets.
The Farmers' Market New Zealand organisation has recommended to its members that they respect the day and not open before 1pm.
“It’s a bit more confusing this year with Anzac Day falling on a Sunday because it doesn’t feel like a public holiday,” Mr Brewer says. “With it being a Sunday, and most people not getting an extra day off, some businesses may not realise strict trading restrictions still apply.”
But there is no doubt whether surcharges legitimately apply after 1pm.
“Despite trading restrictions only lasting until 1pm, the whole of Sunday is in fact an official public holiday. Hence cafés and restaurants are entitled to add a surcharge for the entire. Under the Holiday’s Act they’ll be paying staff extra for the entire day.”
