Full deregulation of retail trading hours comes into effect in Shire of Capel, allowing for 24/7 service

Businesses in the Shire of Capel are now able to trade whenever they like after trading hours were officially deregulated.

The change came into effect on Saturday and allows all retail shops within the council’s boundaries to trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is a major win for bigger retail businesses, with only small retail shops allowed to trade 24/7 up until the weekend.

The move was approved by Commerce Minister Sue Ellery earlier this year after a request by the Shire of Capel.

Shire president Doug Kitchen said community consultation showed residents wanted the flexibility to shop at times convenient to their families.

“Businesses wanted to able to make their own decisions about when to trade, at times that were suitable to them and their customers,” he said.

“The option to open earlier and close later also increases the opportunity for more localised employment, especially for our young people.”

Consultation with businesses also found the previous retail trade restrictions had prevented some from trading during certain hours, on specific days and in some locations.

Cr Kitchen said it would be great to see the benefits of the changes to employment opportunities.

“We are excited about what our current businesses may now offer and what businesses may now consider operating within the Shire,” he said.

Restrictions on trading will remain in place on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.

The move sees the council join the neighbouring City of Bunbury and Shire of Dardanup in having deregulated retail trading hours.