Vic: Retailers largely adhere to Easter trading laws

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2003
Vic: Retailers largely adhere to Easter trading laws

Victorian traders have largely adhered to new Easter Sunday trading laws banning them
from opening today.

But it's been business as usual for FRANK PENHALLURIACK, who defiantly opened the doors
of his suburban Caulfield garden and building supply business.

He says Easter Sunday's traditionally one of his strongest trading days of the year.

But major supermarkets, hardware stores and retailers across the state all stayed closed.

Under the laws, shops can only open today if they employ fewer than 20 people or if
they fall into the exempt category which includes milk bars, petrol stations and news
agencies.

Businesses which flout the law risk prosecution and fines of up to $10,000.

61-year-old Mr PENHALLURIACK spent 19 days in jail in the 1980s for defying Sunday trading bans.

He says he'll refuse to pay any fresh fine and risk jail again.

AAP RTV kh/gfr/dl

KEYWORD: EASTER TRADING VIC (MELBOURNE)

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