QLD: Gold Coast shopping hours decision deferred

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2008
QLD: Gold Coast shopping hours decision deferred

By Steve Gray

BRISBANE, Dec 9 AAP - Coles and Woolworths will have to wait until the middle of next
year to learn if they'll be allowed to extend trading hours on the Gold Coast.

The grocery giants are seeking permission to trade from 6am until midnight, seven days
a week, at their Gold Coast stores.

The push has been opposed by the Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association,
which argues it would threaten small and independent retailers.

The matter was adjourned in November by the full bench of the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission (QIRC) and the adjournment is subject to appeal in the Industrial
Court of Queensland.

Industrial Court President, Justice David Hall, heard legal argument on Tuesday before
saying he would deliver his judgment on the appeal in mid-January.

The application by the National Retail Association for extended hours at six Gold Coast
supermarkets will then be re-listed, with a hearing by the QIRC expected to occur around
March.

A decision on the matter would then be delivered mid-year.

AAP stg/pjo/tnf

KEYWORD: TRADING

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