Shop owners to decide opening hours at their own discretion

Shop opening hours set to change • Video by Ray Attard

The shop opening hours reform is set to grant shop owners discretion over their opening hours and which day they choose to remain closed.
Moreover, all shops currently not allowed to open on Sunday will be allowed to do so between 6am and 5pm, provided that they remain closed on another day chosen by shop owners and communicated to the Commerce Department.

All shops will be permitted to open on Public Holidays, except Good Friday, which do not fall on a Sunday. Shops will be permitted to remain open during Carnival and on Easter Sunday.

Licensed catering establishments, nightclubs, and discotheques or other premises where dancing is held, which do not already have such a permit to remain open for business until 4am during Carnival, and on Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

It is also being recommended that all shops be given the possibility to extend their business hours up to 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday without having to seek permission.

The proposals have now been launched for public consultation following consultation held with government departments and public entities, together with constituted bodies.

"No one better than the shop owner knows and understands the demands of his business and his customers' preference. With laws that reflect a society of 30 years ago, it is important that we implement a reform that reflects today's society, adapting it to an ever-changing lifestyle to suit both business and consumers," Economy Minister Chris Cardona said during a press briefing.

Cardona insisted that existing employment conditions will not be affected by the reform and workers' rights will be safeguarded.

"The present employment legislation which gives workers rights will not change. We believe that we can carry out progress without prejudicing workers. Workers rights are non-negotiable," he said.