Sunday trading rules thwart Christmas Eve shoppers

Shoppers who are planning on last-minute spending sprees this Christmas Eve will have few choices, as Cayman’s Sunday Trading Act allows only certain businesses to operate on that day.

The Department of Commerce and Investment, in a notice issued Thursday, reminded that existing businesses with permission to operate under the Sunday Trading Act (2023 Revision), can continue to operate as usual on Christmas Eve, Sunday, 24 Dec., until 11:59pm.

Those who do not have that permission are to remain closed.

For years, there has been talk of reviewing the restrictions under the Sunday Trading Act, but to date no changes have been made to expand the category of businesses that can trade that day.

There have been a number of businesses that have embraced Sunday shopping, which some believe goes against the Cayman community’s Christian tradition.

Though government has allowed revellers on New Year’s Eve this year, which falls on a Sunday, to be able to party until 4am, there was no provision change for local businesses to open for last-minute sales.

New Year’s exemption

Last month, the Liquor Licensing Board granted an extension to bars, restaurants, nightclubs and hotels to open later for New Year’s Eve.

This was made possible due to an amendment to the Music and Dancing (Control) Act that enabled the board to grant exemptions to permit entertainment at licensed premises on a New Year’s Eve Sunday, following an outcry in 2017 when the then ban impacted businesses.

Under the Sunday trading rules, however, no such amendments have been made and therefore businesses not exempt cannot open their doors.

However, tourist-related businesses such as souvenir and duty-free shops, visitor accommodations, water-sports operators and those involved in sightseeing activities.

Druggist shops and dispensaries, as well as restaurants and retail businesses smaller than 4,000 square feet and involved primarily in the sale of food items and beverages, can also operate freely on Sundays.

Hairdressing and beauty salons as well as airline and shipping offices can also open and are listed among the 14 categories of exempted businesses free to trade on Sunday.

Under the law, anyone who contravenes the Sunday Trading Act commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500 for a first conviction and a $1,000 fine or imprisonment for six months for a second or subsequent conviction.

For more information, contact the Department of Commerce and Investment at 945-0943 or email [email protected].