Trading on Easter Sunday could be allowed for everyone in the Clutha District if the council gets enough support from the public.
The Clutha District Council approved consultation on a new policy for Easter Sunday trading hours at a full council meeting on Thursday.
At present, trading on Easter Sunday is only allowed by certain businesses and trades, such as service stations, dairies, restaurants and garden centres.
However, a proposed policy change by the council could expand the list to include all businesses.The meeting agenda stated the policy would better align with the reported views of the retail sector and the tourism industry.
It would also align with the council’s strategy to encourage economic growth in the district.
A business was not required to operate on the Sunday if it did not want to.
Employees also would have the right to refuse work on the Easter Sunday and not be treated adversely for their decision.
It was noted in the agenda that allowing trading on Easter Sunday did not align with the reported views of workers’ rights groups and Christian religions and the policy went against "traditional family values".
At the meeting, Cr Geoff Blackmore argued against the proposal, as he thought it should not be a local government issue.
"We’ve been put in this position by the central government to make a decision," he said.
There was no legal requirement for the council to introduce an Easter trading policy and by not doing so meant the council would maintain the current trading rules.
Cr Blackmore also questioned how many businesses were affected by the current restrictions.
Cr John Cochrane said the current law was archaic and it was time to move forward into the 21st century.
"I don’t think the council should be playing God to the employers."
Not consulting with the public would mean the council was not listening to the people.
Opening the draft policy up for discussion with the public did not mean it would be adopted.
"It may be that we still go with no trading."
The council elected to adopt a draft Easter Sunday shop trading policy, which will be released to the public for consultation.
Submissions on the draft policy opened on Saturday and will close on January 23.
The council will make a decision on the policy on February 9.
