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Shop development has considerably increased these past years
and looks like continuing for some time as might offices in the
future. However, as plans are submitted to this Council for
planning approval, etc., statutory provisions referred to in the
Shops Act and possible requirements of the future are recommended
by this department. This procedure, a voluntary service.
I think has helped to improve Public Relations. On the other
hand, it has its limitation and does not obviate the kind of
difficulty often discovered when carrying out routine inspections
and which could be avoided had it been known beforehand of
the contemplated change in circumstances, i.e. change of occupier
or business, numbers and sexes of employees and of internal
alterations. When an occupier of a shop is asked to provide
perhaps, sanitary accommodation, washing facilities or means of
ventilation, he usually replies, "the Council passed the plans."
An explanation is given but this does not stop him from blaming
the authority or abusing the inspector for what he joyfully calls
"gross inefficiency."
Successive governments have failed to agree on the registration
of shops, though a local authority is required to keep a register
of shops for certain purposes. Section 137 of the Factories Act,
1961, requires occupiers of factories to notify the Inspector of
intending occupation, etc. It seems analogous that as an
Inspector under the Shops Act has the same powers as H.M
Inspector of Factories that registration of shops could well be
applied in the same manner as factories and would help to ally
the many difficulties which at present does exist b ween those
who are required to abide by the law and those responsible for
its administration. The shopkeeper would then be advised of his
commitments and limitations before embarking on something
which may involve him contravening the law.
(b) Evening Closing Hours
The observance of the evening closing hours has been well
maintained throughout the year, most shops closing before the
statutory closing hour of 8 p.m. Friday is popular for late family
shopping particularly in the grocery and furniture trades when
some of these businesses remain open until 8 p.m. Saturday is
no longer observed as the late day.
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