• Coles to be granted temporary extended opening hours this week
• Arrangement means stores in Perth, Peel and South West can open from 7am Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February
• Special permits for supermarkets are assessed on application

The Commissioner for Consumer Protection has granted an extended trading permit for some WA Coles stores so they can open early on weekdays during the State Government’s lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Western Australian community.

Coles in the Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions will be able to open their doors from 7am from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February in a temporary extension of trading hours permitted while WA’s pandemic plan is in action.

Management of the new arrangement will be handled by Coles and consumers should contact their local supermarket or check its website to confirm opening hours before attending.

“Giving Coles permission to open early in locked down parts of Perth, Peel and the South West helps to ensure more people have the opportunity to shop; especially those who may be considered essential workers and may not be able to go during normal trading hours,” Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said.

So far no other supermarkets have lodged an application with the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for extended trading hours during the lockdown, which started at 6pm on 31 January 2021.*

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*Update: On 1 February 2021 the Commissioner for Consumer Protection granted a permit allowing Woolworths stores in the Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions to open their doors from 7am from Tuesday 2 February to Friday 5 February. Annoucement: Some WA supermarkets can open early during lockdown | Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au)

Media Contact: Alina Cavanagh alina.cavanagh@dmirs.wa.gov.au