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The Shops Act deals with such matters as the number of hours
per week during which certain assistants can be employed, hours
of opening of shops and the restriction of sales of certain articles
during the early closing day and on Sunday. Although evasion
of these restrictions is not widespread, they are very difficult to
enforce. It has been necessary to warn some small traders who
contravene, and one particularly persistent offender was reported
to the Committee.
No Closing Orders (citing the early closing day) are in operation
in the district. Thus, subject to certain conditions, the half
day is that selected by the proprietor. In fact the great majority
of shops by custom close as follow :—
Wednesday—St. Paul's Cray L.C.C. Estate (except Leith Hill),
Chislehurst,
The Oval, Lamorbey.
Thursday—Sidcup (other than above),
North Cray,
Mottingham.
The Council again decided to suspend the general closing
hours for the period immediately preceding Christmas, but little
advantage appears to have been taken of this concession.
The Shops Act, 1950, also calls for suitable and sufficient lighting,
heating, ventilation, sanitary accommodation and washing
facilities; provisions for shop assistants who take meals on the
premises, and seats for female employees. Considerable changes
in requirements are likely to be forthcoming under the Offices, Shops
and Railway Premises Bill, now before Parliament, although the
major part of the work which it will entail will be in connection
with offices.