THE Chamber of Commerce has backed moves to scrap the requirement for shops to obtain permits to open on Sundays and public holidays.
Chamber president Lee Madden described the legislative change proposed by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel as “forward thinking”.
Earlier this week, Deputy Morel lodged a draft law which, if approved, would repeal existing regulations under which permits for Sunday trading are issued.
The minister’s report noted that the law was previously updated in 2010 “to deregulate as far as was possible at the time”, allowing smaller shops greater flexibility and exempting certain businesses from permit requirements while imposing limitations on larger shops.
But he argued that the need for such permits, which are issued by the relevant parish – and cost £120 for restricted hours and £60 for general or single permits – was “an administrative burden that no longer reflects the needs of businesses, consumers, or the wider economy”.
Mr Madden said that Chamber supports the proposition “in full”, contending that examining how historic rules and regulations could be changed to benefit the economy and community was “a good thing”.
The proposition is due to be debated during the States sitting beginning on Tuesday 24 March.
If approved, the updated legislation would come into force seven days after it is registered.
Mr Madden said: “I would ask any Members who are considering this to look at the economic benefit to the retail sector, to get more people to use local retailers, while also taking into consideration the views of parishioners or the community who it may have some impact on.”
Deputy Morel’s proposition highlighted that a code of conduct had been produced in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to help ensure guidelines around deliveries and noise levels are adhered to.
Mr Madden added: “It is paramount that we consider that Sunday is a weekend and we respect the fact that we won’t make undue disruption.
“If any disruption is made, we hope those who feel they are being caused disruption get in touch with retailers and they will happily find solutions to the problem.”
Depury Morel’s report also noted that, while the parish of St Helier had not confirmed how much revenue it generates from the issuing of Sunday trading permits, “parish officials have informed government anecdotally that the maintenance of the permit scheme is a net cost to the parish.”
