Retail trade in the suburbs has been approved for Easter Monday as well as CBD and regional areas.
Treasurer Rob Lucas has granted an exemption under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977 which gives all metropolitan retailers, regardless of their size or location, the option to trade from 11am to 5pm on Monday, April 18 if they would like to.
Mr Lucas said it was necessary for him to take a decision now, given recent public statements by the SA Electoral Commissioner that an election result may not be known for about a week after the March 19 State Election.
“If, as the Electoral Commissioner has indicated, an election result may not be known until late March, this only leaves a few short days for the government to take a decision, announce it, and for retailers to make appropriate arrangements such as advising staff and organising rosters and supplies,” Treasurer Lucas said.
“Now more than ever, our hardworking retailers and their staff need certainty, which is why I am announcing extended shop trading for Easter now to give them sufficient time to plan ahead,” said Mr Lucas.
The decision follows similar exemptions granted on Easter Monday over the past 3 years, bringing South Australia in line with all other states and territories.
Under the existing shop trading laws – larger supermarkets (those over 400sqm) and shops (over 200sqm) outside of the CBD are prevented from opening their doors. The exemption gives stores in suburbs such as Elizabeth, Noarlunga, Port Adelaide, Tea Tree Gully and Marion the option to trade.
“From supermarkets and homeware stores to fashion retailers and hardware suppliers, if traders want to trade, consumers want to shop and there are employees willing and able to work,” Mr Lucas said.
Easter holiday trading hours for non-exempt shops (supermarkets over 400sqm and shops over 200sqm):
Good Friday (April 15): CLOSED
(CBD, Metropolitan Shopping District and Glenelg Tourist Precinct)
Easter Saturday (April 16): Regular trade until 5pm
(CBD, Metropolitan Shopping District and Glenelg Tourist Precinct)
Easter Sunday (April 17): 11am to 5pm in the CBD;
CLOSED (Metropolitan Shopping District and Glenelg Tourist Precinct)
Easter Monday (April 18): 11am to 5pm
(CBD, Metropolitan Shopping District and Glenelg Tourist Precinct)
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