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56
Shops
The supervision of shops and effective administration of the
Shops Act are secured by systematic visitation by the Shops Act
Inspector, who maintains a register of all classes of shop premises
in the Borough.
In the general administration of the Shops Act 2,603 inspections
were made during the year. Most contraventions recorded
have been of a minor character, such as failure to exhibit statutory
notices and keep proper records of the hours of employment of
young persons. Verbal warnings and notices to the number of 320
were issued in this connection.
Shops in Tottenham (Remainder) Area are closed for the weekly
half-holiday on Thursday, and in the Harringay Area on Wednesday
at 1.0 p.m., with the exception of Butchers who close on Monday at
1.0 p.m, throughout the Borough, subject to the alternative day
(Saturday) in all cases. Close supervision is exercised in order
to see that the weekly half-holiday is correctly observed, 201
visits being made for this purpose.
Half-Holidays for Shop Assistants
Every shop assistant must be allowed a half-holiday once a
week commencing not later than 1.30 p.m. The rule applies whether
the shop is required to be closed for a weekly half-holiday or
not.
Meal Times
The requirements in respect of assistants' meal-times are as
follows:-
Dinner:- If the hours of employment include the hours from
11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., every assistant must be allowed an
interval of ¾ hour within that time if the meal is taken on the
premises, or an interval of a full hour within that time if the
meal is taken off the premises.
Tea:- If the hours of employment include the hours from 4.0
p.m, to 7.0 p.m., each assistant must be allowed an interval of
half-an-hour within that time.
No assistant shall be employed more than 6 hours (5 hours if
under 18) without an interval of at least 20 minutes being allowed
during the course thereof.
It has become the practice in many shops to allow assistants
a tea break of 10 minutes during the morning and afternoon.