THE SHOPS ACT 2015-30 is now in effect, and as result, there are several changes to the opening hours of shops.
According to the Chief Labour Officer, Vincent Burnett, under this new piece of legislation, shops which are subject to opening hours can now remain open for business from 7 a.m. on Mondays, continuously through to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The closing hours for these shops are between 10 p.m. on Sundays and 7 a.m. on Mondays.
The Act removes general public holidays from being “closed days”, with the exception of Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Independence Day.
According to the Act, the Chief Labour Officer may grant permission on application for the opening of shops on closed days. Moreover, the legislation removes the “cruise ship” requirement and the four-and-a-half hour restriction on closed day opening.
In addition, all occupiers of shops are asked to note that no shop assistant should be employed in any shop during the period 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., unless the occupier obtains a certificate from the Chief Labour Officer granting permission to do so.
For further information, persons may consult the Shops Act 2015-30 by contacting the Labour Department at 310-1500, or visiting its office on the Second Floor East, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael. Copies of the Act may also be obtained from the Government Printing Department, Bay Street, St. Michael. (BGIS)
