With the festive season fast approaching, shops around the country are beginning to stay open till late.
Suva Retailers Association Secretary Selver Reddy says that shop owners can open till late as long as they adhere to the labour laws.
Lautoka City Council CEO Jone Nakauvadra also says that shops can open as late as they want to.
He says that some shops have already started to open till 9pm to accommodate shoppers trying to get their shopping done.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce President Satish Kumar says that some shops are opening till as late as 8pm, and also open on Sunday, leading up to the festive season.
After the Shop Regulation of Hours Bill 2016 was enacted by parliament, any shop in any area throughout Fiji can operate for up to 24 hours including a public holiday.
However, this law does not apply to licensees under the Liquor Act 2006.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had earlier told Parliament that the new amendment will not be exploited by employers as the Employment Relations Promulgation is applied to the law.
He stressed that shop assistants will be protected.
The Act came into force on the 1st of August.
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