Opening and closing hours for shops

Dear Editor, The Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) is gravely concerned about the wrong information circulating concerning the opening and closing hour of shops as reported in the media. This has generated much confusion and uncertainty among the business community in the relevant business sector. It must be emphasized that Labour Law administration is under the purview of the Chief Labour Officer of the Department. The Chief Labour Officer, to his credit, promptly stated that the different opening and closing reported in the press is contrary to the current law and is “erroneous.”

The days and hours which certain shops may be kept open are governed by the Shops (Consolidation) Act, Chapter 91:04 as amended by in 2009 by the Shops (Consolidation) (Amendment) Act, 2009. The Act sets out Days and Hours for opening and closing as follows:

1. Shops – every day; 7.30 am to 10.00 pm.

2. Restaurants and Cook shops – 24 hours per day.

3. Parlours, Barbers’ and Hairdressers’ establishment – 6.00 am to midnight

Minimum pay, working hours, work week, overtime pay, and annual leave entitlement are governed by other labour laws and labour regulations.

Under the Shops Consolidation Act, it is the Commissioner of Police to enforce this Act relating to the hours of opening and closing of shops and prohibit sales.

CAGI and the private sector are committed to comply fully with this law. Yours faithfully, Samuel J. Goolsarran Consultant Adviser CAGI