Retail trading hours

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Retail trading hours provide times when retailers in Western Australia can open for business. In some cases the type of business can dictate the hours which the business can be open to customers. There are also times throughout the year when extended trading may apply such as over the Christmas period or on some public holidays.

All shops are regarded as general retail shops unless they fall under any one of the other categories including: small retail shops, special retail shops, filling - service stations or motor vehicle shops.

Public holiday trading hours for Perth metropolitan area

Variation to the trading hours on the following public holidays have been approved for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area.

Public holiday trading hours
Public holiday Trading hours
Australia Day - Thursday 26 January 2023 8.00am to 6.00pm
Labour Day - Monday 6 March 2023 8.00am to 6.00pm
Easter Monday - Monday 10 April 2023 8.00am to 6.00pm
Western Australia Day - Monday 5 June 2023 8.00am to 6.00pm
King's Birthday - Monday 25 September 2023 8.00am to 6.00pm

 

General trading hours

Trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area are shown below.  Traders do not have to open, however may choose when they open within the specified trading hours.

  • 8.00am to 9.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday
  • 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday
  • 11.00am to 5.00pm on Sunday
  • 11.00am to 5.00pm on public holidays
  • CLOSED on ANZAC day, Christmas Day and Good Friday 

Trading hours by retail type

All shops are regarded as general retail shops unless they fall under any one of the other categories including: small retail shops, special retail shops, filling - service stations or motor vehicle shops.

Small and special retail shops

You must apply for a certificate if you want to trade as a small or special retail shop.

Small retail shops can trade 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Special retail shops are considered necessary for emergency, convenience or recreation goods. Shops in this category can trade between 6.00am to 11:30pm every day of the year.

Filling stations – service stations

Filling stations include any business that sells motor fuel. Filling station trading hours are deregulated in all areas.

There are restrictions on the range of non-petroleum goods which may be sold from filling stations after general retail shop trading hours.

For further information on after hours non-petroleum stock options contact Trading Hours enquiries on (08) 6251 1406.

The list of the goods able to be sold are prescribed in the regulations.

Motor vehicle shops (car yards)

A motor vehicle shop includes any shop where motor vehicles are sold.

Motor vehicle shops trading hours:

  • 8.00am to 6.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
  • 8.00am to 9.00pm on Wednesday
  • 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday
  • CLOSED on Sunday
  • CLOSED on public holidays

Shops not covered by the Act

The trading hours of the following store types are not covered by the Act and therefore do not have specified trading hours:

  • restaurants,
  • cafes,
  • takeaway food shops,
  • short-term markets (set up and dismantled in one day), and
  • shops on Rottnest Island.

Public holiday trading hours for regional/non-metropolitan area

Trading hours for general retail shops not in the Perth metropolitan area are listed below:

  • 8.00am to 6.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
  • 8.00am to 9.00pm on Thursday
  • 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

Local government authorities outside the Perth metropolitan area can apply to Consumer Protection to extend the trading hours for general retail shops in their district beyond those stipulated in the Act.

Regional trading hours variations page lists the regional local governments with permanent trading variations. 

Detailed advice on the individual variation orders please contact the Automotive, Marine and Trading Hours Branch on (08) 6251 1406.

Permits

Extended trading permits are available under certain conditions. These include, for example, swapmeets, trade fairs and industry expos. For specific advice on the issue of permits please contact the Automotive, Marine and Trading Hours Branch on (08) 6251 1406.

Further information

The Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 applies to retail shops in Western Australia south of the 26th parallel. It sets out the trading hours and rules covering various categories of retail outlets.

Contacts for further information:

Retail trading hours

  • Automotive, Marine and Trading Hours Branch 
  • (08) 6251 1406
  • Email

Retail shop leases:

Wages

  • Wageline (free and confidential private-sector employment information service)
  • Telephone 1300 655 266
  • Email

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