Retailers are calling for changes to the country’s Easter trading laws, describing the current settings as no longer fit for purpose.
Retail NZ Chief Executive, Carolyn Young, said the rules around Easter trading are confusing, inconsistent, and outdated.
“The current laws unfairly target bricks-and-mortar retailers in many parts of the country. While some stores in specific places have trading exemptions, retailers tell us they are frustrated that some shops can trade while others cannot, simply because of the area they are located in,” Young said.
“Retailers want to decide for themselves whether or not to open over Easter, rather than having the local council or Government make that decision for them. There are no trading restrictions for online stores and the current restrictions are not fair on consumers who might want to take advantage of the long weekend to go shopping and supporting their local retail sector.”
Young added that while Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day, it is not a Public Holiday, which causes financial and administrative headaches and for retail employers and employees alike.
Young said in such a challenging economic environment in which retail has been struggling for some years, the missed opportunity to capitalise on public holiday trade is difficult for many of those working in the retail sector accept.
On Wednesday, April 1st, Kieran McAnulty’s member bill, The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill, changing the rules of trade for alcohol over Easter, ANZAC and Christmas days will have its third reading.
Assuming the Bill passes the reading, it will need Royal Assent on Thursday, April 2nd, for the new Easter trading rules to be in place by Friday, April 3rd, which this year is Easter Friday.
These rules represent a significant change in how hospitality venues have been required to operate across Easter weekend, most notably the requirement to only serve drinks with a meal.
Businesses have been advised to plan to operate under the current rules. However, should these changes come into effect in time for Easter, businesses will be ready to operate and welcome guests as they would any other weekend of the year.
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