ACT MP Cameron Luxton has lodged a private member’s bill that would put an end to restrictions on businesses at Easter.
Suggesting that the laws still in place from the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 are antiquated, outdated and no longer fit for purpose, placing unfair disadvantage to businesses simply because they operate from 'bricks and mortar' premises when being compared to web-based businesses having no such restrictions.
There are currently 3½ restricted trading days; Easter Sunday, Good Friday, Christmas Day and the morning of ANZAC day. August 2016 saw the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 amended to give local councils the power to have their own policies around restricted trading days and locations, some councils have, but most notably Auckland has not.
There are also currently grey and contentious areas around the serving and trading of alcohol on these days.
The Bill aims to remove the restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday including the ability to trade and serve alcohol. It does not remove the employee's right to refuse work on Easter Sunday if preferred.
To check whether your region currently has any policies in this respect please see the following Government website:
www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/public-holidays/restricted-shop-trading-days/local-council-easter-sunday-shop-trading-policies/