Thursday March 25 2004

Copeland stops Easter Sunday trading – for now

United Future MP Gordon Copeland was a lone voice in Parliament today in objecting to a request from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Bill to be considered under urgency next week.

“I am against unlimited shop trading on Easter Sunday but I have no way of knowing at this point whether or not the bill will succeed,” said Mr Copeland

“If it does, then retail employees who have already arranged their holiday plans would likely be required to work on Easter Sunday. I somehow doubt they would thank Parliament for that disruption with about one week’s notice!

“Winston Peters’ intent was to ensure shops can open this Easter Sunday but I think he failed to consider the effect on the thousands of employees and their families over a very special holiday weekend.

“I believe it is better for this matter to be considered after Easter. That way, if the bill does go ahead, everyone will have time to plan accordingly for 2005.”

Mr Copeland’s objection, under Parliament’s rules, will prevent the passage of this bill before Easter.

Ends

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