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SA supermarkets to open 24 hours

South Australians needing toilet paper, hand sanitiser and pasta will be able to shop in supermarkets at all hours of the day and night as trading hours are extended to help alleviate pressures due to the coronavirus.

Under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977, all supermarkets and other non-exempt shops will be open 24 hours during weekdays.

Shopping hours will also be extended on weekends from 12am to 9pm on Saturdays and 9am to 9pm on Sundays.

The temporary trade times will begin on March 21 and run until April 19.

During the extended trading times, employees cannot be forced to work the additional hours but can do so voluntarily. 

Treasurer Rob Lucas said the move provides much-needed flexibility for consumers and retailers.

“While we don’t expect all supermarkets to take up the option of 24-hour trading, extended hours will also assist with supply of grocery stock,” Lucas said. 

“We expect this exemption will also support local jobs, with the potential for more shifts for those employees who’d like to work additional hours over the next few weeks.”

Restrictions will still apply on Good Friday and Easter Sunday for non-exempt shops, like supermarkets over 400sqm and other shops over 200sqm. 

Extended hours have already been approved for Easter Monday.

Under the Act, an exemption cannot be approved for a period longer than 30 days.

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