Retail trading hours in the City of Busselton have been approved thanks to commerce minister Michael Mischin.
The Busselton council had asked the minister to adjust trading hours to 8am to 9pm Monday to Sunday and public holidays, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
The council also requested trading on Anzac Day from 1pm to 9pm.
Mr Mischin said the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 allowed him to make an exemption for general retail shops in the Busselton local government district to open later on weeknights and Sundays.
“While the changes give all Busselton retail shops the choice of opening for extended periods during the week and on Sundays and public holidays, there is no obligation for retailers to open for longer hours if they do not wish to do so,” he said.
“Retailers can make a business decision on whether or not it is profitable to trade for longer hours.
“Importantly, the reforms provide retailers with more choice on when they can trade. The extension of hours will bring the district’s trading hours into line with those operating in Dunsborough.”
The minister said the decision had the support of not only the City of Busselton, but the Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Geographe Bay Tourism Association.
In December, small business owners told the Busselton-Dunsborough Mail they were worried the proposed permanent extended trading hours for large retailers would not bring increased profit to their stores.
To have your say about extended trading hours for big businesses in the city, email laura.newey@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
