Sunday trading

Press, 2 September 1986, Page 20

Sunday trading

Sir, —The New Brighton District Business Association’s application for Sunday trading should be compared with the response that it has had to its efforts to make Monday a “shopping day” in the area. A limited survey showed that this much-promoted move resulted in" at least' 30 shops being shut, in addition to two of the shopping malls involving an additional 20 shops, at least. If this is the participation on a normal shopping day, what involvement can be expected when shops are traditionally closed? The association’s trump .card seems to be that the shops would attract tourists. This would not generate repeat business. The survey also indicated that at least 50 shops would have little or no' interest to tourists. The area is well catered for as regards food and fuel. The association would best serve the district by getting, its act together on Monday shopping before flying a kite for shopping that is not warranted. — Yours, etc.,

M. W. MAKINSON. August 21, 1986.

[The president of the New Brighton District Business Association, Mr Graham Moffat, replies: “Your correspondent’s comments, while noted, appear not to consider the Monday and Sunday trading issues separately. While Monday opening must be considered as a day for servicing the local community, an argument for or against trading rests solely on the support received from the immediate area. It is fair to say that, on the results to date, the majority of the New Brighton merchants cannot justify Monday opening. No doubt the issue will not end here, and I for one hope it does not. Sunday trading is an entirely separate matter and the merits for opening must be considered on the basis of potential customer appeal. The New Brighton community area, the ‘catchment’ area, being much broader than the immediate periphery, will appeal to those transferring from coach to aeroplane and viceversa, particularly in light of the recently announced foreshore development of an aquarium and restaurant. It is interesting to note during the recent Shop Trading Hours Commission hearing no objections to New Brighton Sunday trading were received from the local community. On that basis, we can only assume (until now) that 100 per cent of the residents wish to see their area climb in value with realistic commercial development. We are not immune to the needs of our community, but we must look at changes in the harsh light of commercial reality.”]