A City of Stirling councillor has proposed investigating unrestricted retail trading hours in Scarborough, arguing that allowing larger retailers to open earlier and later could attract businesses, increase tourism and improve convenience for residents and visitors.

Councillor Tony Krsticevic raised the proposal at the September 2026 council meeting, requesting that the City investigate the potential benefits and process required to have Scarborough classified as an unrestricted daily trading precinct.

Under existing Western Australian retail trading regulations, most major supermarkets and general retailers in metropolitan Perth are restricted to trading between 11am and 5pm on Sundays. Smaller independent retailers that qualify under the State's small retail shop provisions can operate outside those hours, including around the clock.

Krsticevic argued that the restrictions were unsuitable for Scarborough, which attracts substantial numbers of visitors to its beaches, accommodation, restaurants and entertainment venues.

He suggested that unrestricted trading could encourage larger retailers to establish businesses in the area while allowing existing shops to operate according to customer demand, particularly during summer and holiday periods.

The proposal also suggested that additional retail activity could benefit nearby cafes, restaurants and bars by encouraging visitors to spend more time in the beachfront precinct.

Scarborough resident Amy Dawson supported earlier Sunday opening hours, arguing that allowing shops to open at 9am rather than 11am could reduce congestion caused by customers arriving at the same time.

Dawson said her experience living in Sydney demonstrated how earlier Sunday trading could accommodate residents and visitors without concentrating shopping activity into a shorter period.

However, the State Government rejected suggestions that Perth's retail trading regulations should be relaxed.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the Cook Labor Government had no plans to change metropolitan retail trading hours, arguing that permanent extensions for larger retailers could create additional uncertainty for retail workers and small business operators.

The Government instead pointed to its existing retail industry reforms, including stronger penalties for assaults against retail workers and proposed retail barring orders.

Commerce Minister Tony Buti had separately announced extended trading hours for the Christmas period, although these temporary arrangements did not represent a permanent change to existing regulations.

The City of Stirling was expected to consider Krsticevic's proposal at its council meeting on 20 October 2026.

At the time of reporting, the proposal remained an investigation request, with no changes to Scarborough's retail trading hours approved.