Still time for input on Sunday trading
(CNS Business): The public has two more weeks to give input on whether or not the Cayman Islands should revise its Sunday trading laws. Commerce Minister Wayne Panton has said he wants to modernize the law and make it more appropriate for the current business environment. The goal, he has said, is to revise the legislation to give merchants the opportunity to open on Sundays if they wanted to.
The minister said it was part of government’s goal to encourage economic activity, support local business and even create jobs, as he encouraged the wider public to submit their views on the newly drawn up consultation paper.
“We want to understand the views of the general public and all key stakeholders so that government has a guide for developing appropriate policy on the issue,” he said.
The Government’s intention to consult with the public on this matter was announced by the Premier in his 2014/15 Policy Statement, delivered in the Legislative Assembly on the 26 May.
Sunday trading in the Cayman Islands is governed by The Sunday Trading Law (2003 Revision), which determines which businesses may open on a ‘prohibited’ day (defined as Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day).
The government’s consultation paper states that it is generally recognised that the social and economic landscape has evolved significantly since this law was enacted and many countries, including the UK and several of its overseas territories and crown dependencies, have undergone several revisions of policies dealing with restrictions on Sunday trading.
Worldwide, there remain a variety of ways in which restrictions on Sunday trading are imposed in various countries. These include limitations on operating hours, exemptions for certain business types, and exemptions based on the size of a business (for example, for large retail outlets such as supermarkets).
In the Cayman Islands, the issue of the liberalisation of our Sunday trading regime has been debated for several years. Notable periods include 2005 and 2013, when the Chamber of Commerce conducted two surveys of its membership.
The two-month consultation period ends 30 September and those wishing to make a comment or offer their thoughts on the way forward can contact info@dci.gov.ky or at the Department of Commerce in the government building on Elgin Avenue in George Town at suite 126.
Category: Economy, Finance, Government, Local Business
