Deregulating Shop Trade Hours FAQs
Why can’t we make shopping later during the week but not on Sundays or trial a deregulation of Millicent's Shop Trading Hours?
Council has been informed that it is unlikely the Minister would be minded to pursue a bespoke legislative amendment to create further special purpose shoptrading rules just for Millicent.
What would change in Millicent if the community voted ‘yes’ to deregulating Millicent’s shop trading hours?
The 7 shops that currently have their shopping hours regulated could open on Sundays and later at night during the week, not just the smaller ones. This would mean in Millicent that all supermarkets could open as per the Shop Trading Act and relevant Development conditions.
What would change in Millicent if the community voted ‘no’ to deregulating Millicent’s shop trading hours?
Nothing – status quo remains for the current Millicent Shop Trading Hours and the regulations and current restrictions that are in place for the 7 shops with a retail floor area exceeding 200m2 (or 400m2 for a supermarket or grocery store).
What kind of shops can currently open on a Sunday?
Exempt shops within a proclaimed shopping district are not bound by the regulated hours and may trade on any days and times that suit the needs of the business, they have smaller retail spaces, less than 200m2 (or 400m2 for a supermarket or grocery store), and an adjoining storage area no bigger than half the shop's retail floor area.
Additionally, hardware, furniture, floor coverings, motor vehicle parts, car and boat dealerships also have their own regulated opening hours and will remain unchanged regardless of the vote.
What kind of shops would be allowed to open if the community voted ‘Yes’ to deregulating Millicent’s shop trading hours?
There are seven (7) Millicent businesses that are considered non-exempt and therefore have their opening hours regulated due to the proclaimed shopping district. These shops have a retail floor space greater than 200m² or 400m² if they are a supermarket/grocery store.
Exempt shops within a proclaimed shopping district are not bound by the regulated hours and may trade on any days and times that suit the needs of the business, they have smaller retail spaces and an adjacent or adjoining storage area no bigger than half the shop's retail floor area.
Additionally, hardware, furniture, floor coverings, motor vehicle parts, car and boat dealerships also have their own regulated opening hours and will remain unchanged if the Wattle Range community vote to abolish Millicent's Proclaimed Shopping District.
If the community voted ‘yes’ to deregulating Millicent’s shop trading hours, are there any protections for businesses who don’t want to extend their hours?
There would be no obligation for businesses to operate outside of their business needs.
How can community members have their say?
The community are urged to vote in the poll. No additional written or verbal submissions will be considered by the Council. The forum on this page is for information sharing only.