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 which extended trading may apply such as Easter and Christmas.
The following hours apply to general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area.
Monday, 6 March (public holiday) 8am-6pm
Monday, 17 April (public holiday) 8am-6pm
All general retail shops must be closed on:
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.
The trading hours of the following store types are not covered by the act:
You must apply for a certificate if you want to trade as a small retail shop or a special retail shop. Qualified applications will be processed promptly and free of charge. Traders can also request these application forms by calling us on 1300 30 40 54 or by email.
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.
Trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area
Note: Traders do not have to open, however may choose when they open within the specified trading hours.
In part, small retail shops are shops owned by up to six people who operate no more than four retail shops, in which up to 25 people work at any one time (people employed as apprentices are not included in maximum permitted staffing numbers).
Small retail shops may sell any goods other than motor vehicles.
If you want to trade as a small retail shop you must apply for a certificate. Qualified applications will be processed promptly and free of charge.
Shops in this category can trade 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Special retail shops are considered necessary for emergency, convenience or recreation goods.
Special retail shops include:
If you want to trade as a special retail shop you must apply for a certificate. Qualified applications will be processed promptly and free of charge.
The list of the goods able to be sold are prescribed in the regulations
Trading hours:
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
A motor vehicle shop includes any shop where motor vehicles are sold.
Trading hours:
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.
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 us on (08) 6251 1406.
Automotive, Marine and Trading Hours Branch of Consumer Protection on (08) 6251 1406.
Small Business Development Corporation on 131 BIZ (131 249), or by email to info@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.
Wageline (free and confidential private-sector employment information service) on 1300 655 266 or email labourrelations@dmirs.wa.gov.au.
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