The Parliamentary Secretariat for Small Business and the Self Employed has announced that as from today, the 1st of November, till the 7th of January, all shops licensed with the Trade Licensing Unit, are licensed to open on Sundays and public holidays and may remain open till late, should they so wish. This can be done without applying for a special permit, and at no additional charge.

This means that the amendments to the law regulating shop opening hours are allowing all licensed shops, with no distinction as to size or locality, to open every day till 10.00pm, including Sundays and public holidays.

The Government carried out these changes because of the increase in commercial activity. The Government wants to ensure the best working conditions, particularly in this shopping period, for those shops wishing to remain open.

Those shops that decide to open on Sunday or a public holiday or till 10.00 pm are free to do so, thus ensuring more convenience for shop owners and customers alike.

The Secretariat adds that these opening hours are on a voluntary basis, and no one should feel forced to open. The amendments in the law were introduced for those shops wishing to start preparing for the Christmas shopping season. These opening hours are meant to act as a stimulus to business for the Christmas season.