Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy Consultation

Overview

Council is proposing to renew its policy allowing Easter Sunday trading in Marlborough, acknowledging the importance of tourism-related trade and associated services to the region’s economy.

Currently most shops in New Zealand cannot open for trade on Easter Sunday because it is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. Some shops selling certain types of goods such as dairies, service stations, restaurants/cafes, and garden centres can open.

Under the Act, councils can adopt local Easter Sunday shop trading policies which allow all retailers to open.

The restrictions to trade on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday and Christmas Day are unchanged.

The proposed policy does not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol which is regulated separately.

Easter Sunday is not a public holiday. Employees retain the right to refuse to work on Easter Sunday without giving a reason and without fear of repercussion. This statutory protection will not change regardless of whether a local policy is in place.