ENB Businesses Frustrated by Town Management's New Trading Hour Mandates
Retailers in ENB (East New Britain) are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the town management's recent decision to impose new trading hours. The Town Manager reportedly made this unilateral decision without consulting local businesses or the Chamber of Commerce, a move that has drawn sharp criticism. Under the new regulations, retail and supermarket stores must close by 5:00 PM, while hardware, spare parts, and tyre repair shops are required to shut down by 4:30 PM. Business owners question the logic behind these restrictions, particularly given that the town authority relies on revenue generated by these establishments. The article suggests that public servants, who finish their workday earlier, may have the luxury of shopping during these restricted hours, highlighting a perceived disconnect. The author contrasts ENB's situation with modern cities globally where shops often determine their own operating hours, with some even offering 24/7 service. The King Kakaruk Chicken shop in Port Moresby (POM) is cited as an example of a 24/7 operation, located conveniently near a police station. The piece concludes by emphasizing the need for proper consultation processes within ENB.
The imposition of strict trading hours by ENB town management, without apparent consultation with the local business community, raises questions about governance effectiveness and economic policy. Such top-down mandates can stifle local enterprise by limiting revenue-generating opportunities and ignoring the operational realities of businesses that are vital to the town's tax base. Modern economic principles often favor deregulation and market-driven flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt to consumer demand and operational efficiencies, as exemplified by 24/7 services in other regions. The disconnect between public servant work schedules and the operational constraints placed on businesses suggests a potential need for improved stakeholder engagement and a review of policies to ensure they support, rather than hinder, local economic vitality and public service alignment.
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