Families wanting to stock up on groceries and other supplies towards the end of the Easter long weekend have the opportunity to shop closer to home, with all suburban shops permitted to open Easter Monday - in addition to the 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 freedom to trade from 11am to 5pm today – if they choose.
The move brings South Australia in line with every other state and territory and follows the overwhelming success of similar exemptions granted on Easter Monday over the past 2 years.
"We know there'll be many families right across Adelaide who will welcome the greater freedom to shop towards the end of the long-weekend, including those who might need to stock up on supplies – such as groceries and lunch-box staples – ahead of a new school and working week," said Mr Lucas.
"Under our existing, archaic shop trading laws – larger supermarkets (those over 400sqm) and other retailers (over 200sqm) outside of the CBD and regional areas are prevented from opening their doors, which simply doesn't make any sense.
"The Marshall Government's view is, and has always been, why shouldn't families in Elizabeth, Noarlunga, Port Adelaide, Tea Tree Gully and Marion have the same opportunity and freedom to shop as families near the CBD?"
"From supermarkets and homeware stores to fashion retailers and hardware suppliers, if traders want to trade, shoppers want to shop and there are workers willing and able to work, why should our silly shop trading laws stop them?"
No employee can be forced to work under the Shop Trading exemption.
