By Andy Young
The Liquor Stores Association NSW (LSA NSW) has commended the state's government after it passed the Retail Trading Amendment Bill 2015 earlier this week.
As reported on TheShout the new bill sees Boxing Day trading in New South Wales reformed and liquor stores will now be able to open on what is seen as one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
LSA NSW executive director Michael Waters said: "We congratulate the Baird Government for delivering on its promise to fix the unfair shop trading provisions that have prohibited over 1,200 liquor stores across NSW since 2009 – more than one-third being small independent businesses – from trading on a day that historically is one of the biggest of the year.
"We also thank the Christian Democratic Party for supporting the Bill."
Fred Nile supported the legislation after amendments were added to strengthen workers' rights. Under the amended legislation, any employer found to have forced staff will be fined by the government.
Waters added: "Liquor retailers want to trade on Boxing Day because of high customer demand, and we anticipate there will be no shortage of staff electing to work, however we support amendments to the legislation which will strengthen provisions to ensure that no employee can be forced to work against their will.
"After seven long years, NSW liquor retailers can look forward to the upcoming busy festive trading period, knowing that come Boxing Day they will all be able to operate on an even playing field, which is precisely what we have been fighting for all this time."