SHOPPING in Millicent could become a different experience for residents as business owners and parliamentary leaders discuss changes to opening hours.
The topic has divided the community with many for and against the State Government’s plan.
Foster’s Foodland manager Dave Foster has warned Premier Steven Marshall to think “long and hard” about the proposal.
Mr Marshall has pledged to introduce deregulation legislation in the first 100 days of a Liberal Government, which, if passed through parliament, will see shops able to open on weekends and most public holidays.
Managers of the Davenport Street supermarket have long opposed any move to change shopping hours in Millicent, which currently restrict Foster’s, Woolworths and Target Country from Sunday
trading.
Mr Foster cited the two community votes indicating an overwhelming majority of Millicent residents were supportive of the retention of regulated shop trading hours.
“Both of the community votes have been unanimous in their support of keeping the hours as they are,” he said.
“There’s nothing to be gained from opening longer.”
Mr Foster was hopeful new Member for MacKillop Nick McBride would ensure Millicent was excluded from any legislation amendments.
“He has said he will fight to keep the status quo, so I’m hoping he will backe Millicent in Parliament,” he said.
“I think Steven Marshall needs to think long and hard about this and the impact it will have on small businesses.”
In a statement, Woolworths welcomed the liberalisation of trading hours saying it would “provide our customers with greater choice and convenience”.
Target Australia and IGA owner Bill Schueller did not respond to media enquiries before deadline.
While Millicent Business Community Association chair Lee Morgan supported the State Government’s move to deregulate in the city, he said changing Millicent’s shop trading hours needed to be carefully considered.
“I certainly understand the context for the city and how it will attract tourism, but in a regional context, I think it deserves closer scrutiny,” he said.
“After the last survey that was undertaken by council, there were congratulatory comments that came from Port Lincoln on our stance in ensuring our diversity in shops.
“In regional areas, they need to consider the capacity and delivery in allowing smaller traders to continue to be viable.”
