SHOPS will be allowed to open on Liberation Day – which this year falls on a Saturday – in a move to help Jersey’s struggling retailers.
The Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, has given permission for all shops in town to trade on the bank holiday, which is usually covered by Sunday trading laws, following a request from the Chamber of Commerce. Shops which usually open on Sunday will be able to trade as normal on 9 May and others which are usually barred from opening will be allowed to trade from noon.
Mr Crowcroft is hoping that the move will be seen as a compromise by the Chamber and those who oppose trading on Liberation Day. He said: ‘There is provision in law which states that if there is a recognised fete or festival the Constable can allow shops which aren’t normally allowed to trade to open.
‘My greatest concern is that the Liberation Day service is not affected by commercial activity, but I think that as long as shops don’t start trading until midday, this won’t be a problem. ‘My decision was based on a request from the Chamber of Commerce, who wanted shops to trade on an important trading day, and my view is that it is a moderate proposition and a fair compromise.’
