The GRTU, Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, has called for a relaxation of shopping hours up to 21 March.

Writing to the permanent secretary in the competitiveness ministry, it said, that because of the general election, consumers have delayed their pre-Easter shopping to the last week before Easter.

“This, in effect, means that between Saturday, 15 March, and Saturday, 22 March there are only five shopping days during which all retail is permitted,” it said.

The GRTU recommended that all shops, and other retail establishments in all localities, be allowed to open during normal shopping hours on Sunday, 16 March, on Wednesday, 19 March, and also on Friday, 21 March with Sunday hours applying. This would apply also to pharmacies in all districts.