City of Albany Retail Trading Hours Information and Survey
Take the survey now and have your say on the future of retail trading in Albany.
If you would like to leave a comment, please do so at the bottom of this public comment page.
Overview
The City of Albany is embarking on a renewed period of community consultation to gauge public opinion on whether our community supports allowing General Retail shops to trade on Sunday and on weeknights all year round.
Purpose
The retail trading debate has been a topic of discussion within the Albany community for several years. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the community's current stance, Council unanimously approved a period of consultation at the February 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting.
This time, the business community and local residents will have the chance to have their say via an online survey facilitated by the local company, Catalyst.
Survey Details
The survey will be instrumental in shaping the City's approach to retail trading hours. While not a binding referendum, the survey is designed to garner insights from residents and businesses on their preferences regarding retail trading in Albany, and strongly influence whether the Council apply to the Minister for a change to Albany’s current retail trading hours..
Why Your Input Matters
Your input will play a crucial role in influencing the Council's decision on whether to pursue change to Albany’s current retail trading hours. If Council decide to seek approval from the Minister, the City will be required to apply to the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. This application must demonstrate that a thorough and inclusive consultation process has been undertaken and that there is support in the Community.
Next Steps
The City's Retail Trading Hours survey will be open until 31 May, 2024. We encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions below. Should you require any further information that is not currently detailed below, please email [email protected].
The City of Albany remains committed to fostering open dialogue and collaborative decision-making. Your participation in this consultation is invaluable, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the future of retail trading in Albany.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will the survey be launched?
Albany's Retail Trading Hours survey is open from 6 May until 31 May, 2024.
You can find the survey here.
How can I participate in the survey?
The survey is being conducted online. Access to the survey and assistance with completing the survey is available at the City of Albany’s North Road Administration Offices and the Albany Public Library.
Can I leave a comment?
Yes. Please continue to the bottom of this page where there is a comment section for you to complete and submit.
Is the survey mandatory, and how will my input be used?
Participation in the survey is voluntary, but highly encouraged. Your input will help shape the City's approach to retail trading. Survey results will be used to inform the Council's decision-making process.
Will allowing General Retail shops to trade on Sunday and weeknights all year round affect all retail businesses in Albany?
No, most retail businesses in Albany can already trade seven days a week and on weeknights if they choose.
Sunday and weeknight trading all year round will primarily impact General Retail shops. These are businesses with more than six owners, operating more than four other retail stores, employing more than 25 people at one time, and selling goods outside those listed for a Special Retail store.
Examples of General Retail shops include; Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Officeworks, Retravision, Anaconda, Good Sammy.
What about Small Retail and Special Retail businesses?
Small Retail businesses, typically owned by up to six people with specific operational limits will not be affected by Sunday or weeknight trading all year round. They already have flexible trading hours and can open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week under the current Retail Trading Act 1987.
Special Retail businesses (e.g., pharmacies, hardware shops), can currently trade from 6:00am to 11:30pm so the potential introduction of Sunday and weeknight trading all year round will not impact this category either.
What about Cafes and restaurants?
Cafes, restaurants, takeaway food shops, and short-term markets (those that are set-up and dismantled in one day), are not covered by the Retail Trading Act 1987 and can therefore trade 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
What are the existing trading hours for General Retail businesses in Albany?
Current trading hours for General Retail businesses in the City of Albany are as follows:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 am to 6 pm
- Thursday: 8 am to 9 pm
- Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Sunday: CLOSED
For more information on retail categories and trading conditions, refer to the Retail Trading Act 1987 (WA) or visit Trading hours | Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au).
Who can approve a permanent change to trading hours?
The authority to approve a permanent change to trading hours in Albany lies with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Following community consultation, if the Council decide to apply for a change to Albany’s current retail trading hours, the City will need to seek approval from the Minister. The application needs to show that there is community support for the proposal.
Why is the City considering changes to trading hours?
The City is revisiting the issue of trading hours to ensure alignment with the community's evolving needs and preferences. The consultation process aims to gauge public sentiment and consider factors like population growth, flexible work arrangements, and lifestyle changes that may influence trading hour preferences.