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50
SHOPS
At the end of the year there were 2,310 shops on the register, 16
fewer than at the end of the previous year.
While the number of vacant shop premises has remained fairly
constant, the number which have become occupied for purposes other
than retail trade, e.g. betting shops, automatic launderettes, travel
agencies—has increased. A number of new shops have been built and
some of them are occupied, including two large stores.
The principal changes in the numbers of different types of trade,
compared with the previous year are—an increase in television and
electrical dealers, hairdressers and gent's outfitters, and a decrease in the
number of foodshops, chiefly greengrocers.
During the year 1,057 visits were made for the purpose of
administering the Shops Act. Sunday and evening observations were also
made. The following is a summary of the contraventions found: —
Closing Hours.
Failing to close for weekly half-day 1
Failing to observe weekly half-day Closing Order 2
Failing to display alternative half-day notice 9
Failing to display mixed trade notices 22
Selling non-exempted goods after closing hours 2
Selling non-exempted goods on Sunday 7
Conditions of Employment.
Failing to keep records of Sunday employment 4
Failing to allow proper intervals for meals 2
Employing assistants on weekly half-holiday 1
Health and Welfare arrangements.
Failing to provide seats for female assistants 1
Unsatisfactory sanitary accommodation 12
Unsatisfactory washing facilities 2
Absence of or insufficient heating 4
Premises in need of cleansing and redecorating 18
Defective floors, plasterwork, etc. 3
Warnings were given in respect of all the above matters, and also in
108 other cases of failure to maintain prescribed notices. In one instance
a retailer was fined £10 plus costs for failing to comply with a local
Closing Order.
During the year the Sections of the Shops Act 1950 requiring the
provision of suitable arrangements for the health and comfort of shop
workers were repealed when similar though more extensive requirements
contained in the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 came
into force. Details of work carried out under this Act will be found
elsewhere in this Report.