24-HOUR TRADING

EXCLUSIVE KATE’S GAMES PLAN

A PROPOSAL to allow 24hour trading during the Commonwealth Games has been described as a “jolly good idea”.

A bill to reform trading hours which was put before state parliament last night would allow a range of businesses, not including liquor trading, to open all day and all night during the 11 days of world-class sporting competition next year.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow was on board with the proposal, labelling it a “jolly good idea.”

“We’ll have so many people,” she said, adding it would be especially useful for tourists who stayed in serviced apartments and who might need particular items at odd hours of the day.

Vegan eatery Feed the Earthlings owner Teaki Page said 24-hour trading would be a risk she was willing to take. “If they do this, I would have the business open (all hours),” she said.

Executive director of the Australian Retail Alliance Russell Zimmerman said the unrestricted hours would be great for employment and the economy if it went through.

“Our stance is that trading hours should be completely deregulated,” he said.

“So in relation to while the Games are on, it’s very logical (to have 24-hour trading) ... it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the 24-hour trading bill would be helpful to create an atmosphere of excitement and activity and wanted to allow local businesses to make the most of the opportunity.

The bill will be voted on today.