Debate over Perth’s trading hours reignites

When the shops are open, footpaths are busy. When the city should be sleeping, it’s still heaving with activity. And shoppers are splashing big cash. Spending in the City of Perth is up 11% for the first quarter of 2020. Four, $331 million in March alone. Another record month of spending which the Lord Mayor says it shows the cities weekend retail trading hours should be scrapped. Currently most shops must shut at 5 on Saturdays and can’t open until 11 on Sunday. It is absolutely prehistoric. It’s it makes no sense anymore. Some, such as Bunnings, can open under a special exemption. Others on Commonwealth land, like at Perth Airport, also exempt. Big business loves deregulated trading hours. They’re the ones that succeed. So my government backs small business, small retailers, not this business. Owner Sean Dust runs 160 Cafe outside Murray St. mall. He’d love to see stores open for longer. Saturday, the average stores open at 8:00. Nine o’clock we still busy. 730 open at 7:30. BAM, 830 is busy. Come and get the coffee. At least 60 to 70% of businesses want to see. Trading hours relaxed Zempolis is juggling his roles both as Lord Mayor and the Liberals candidate for the seat of Churchlands at next year’s state election, his party promising to take the extended trading hours debate all the way to the polls.