Retailers' prayers answered with easing of restrictions.

 

Adelaide retailers will be able to trade for longer following revisions to the state’s controversial Shop Trading Hours Act.

 

Adelaide stores can now open in 9am on Sunday, and close at 5pm on weekends.

 

Stores can also trade until midnight on 22 December until Christmas eve, with suburban shops able to trade on Boxing Day between 11am and 5pm, a privilege previously only permitted for CBD outlets.

 

Adelaide’s restriction-of-trade laws, based in religious adherence, have been a sore point with retailers for many years.

 

Premier Peter Malinauskas told The Advertiser this was “the biggest change in 20 years to the South Australia shop trading hours laws” and that he is keen to see them in action.

 

“Our ambition is to get these reforms, now that they’ve passed through the parliament, operating in the public as quickly as possible.

 

“This is sensible shop trading hours reform which strikes the right balance for workers, local small businesses and shoppers,” he said.