Burdekin small traders say they will be embracing the Christmas shutdown

What’s being described as the “dumbest” trading hour laws in the country are being hailed as a chance for much needed rest for retailers and a win for corner stores.

DESPITE claims they are the “dumbest” trading hour laws in the country, locals in the Burdekin have hailed the Christmas hours as a chance for a much needed rest.

And smaller retailers and corner stores are claiming them as a win for the little guys, who will be able to stay open over the four-day Christmas shutdown period.

Ayr is among 16 regional Queensland towns where Christmas panic buying is forecast to increase with major retailers forced into a four-day shutdown.

National Retail Association manager of industry policy David Stout said the four-day closure would also be a massive drain on employment creation in regional areas.

“These are the dumbest trading hour laws in the nation,” Mr Stout said.

“Businesses have been dealing with COVID all year, people want to get out and go shopping at Christmas time, and the shops are going to be shut. That is just dumb.”

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Despite the NRA stating the Queensland government’s trading laws would be a dagger through their heart, Ayr Chamber of Commerce president Alyssa Muir said it would provide a much-needed break for family-owned businesses.

“Because COVID has been such a huge drain on … mental health and even work, every one is looking forward to the break,” she said.

“It’s just allowing them to have the four-day break.

“Most of our businesses are family owned and operated and they are looking forward to having that time off with family.

“Corner stores will probably flourish and take advantage of that holiday.”

Mr Stout said the NRA had previously applied to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for a special order to allow trading on Sunday and avoid a four-day closure.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the Palaszczuk government stood behind their trading hours legislation and there were no plans for change. She said retail trading laws were reformed in 2017 to be less complex and that included a five-year moratorium on any further changes to trading hours.

“These reforms struck the right balance between creating greater consumer choice with protections for retail workers and small retail businesses,” she said.

“During the Christmas period small retailers, including local grocery stores in regional areas, can remain open.”

Tosh’s Convenience Store’s Hayley Escriva said the well known corner store would be open over the public holidays to ensure people could still purchase goods they may have forgotten at a major retailer.

“We’re here to serve and support our local community,” she said.

Originally published as Burdekin small traders say they will be embracing the Christmas shutdown