Bakers speak out against planned new regulations

BAKERS have come out against government plans to reform shopping hours and the operation of retail outlets.

The Pancyprian Association of Bakers yesterday said it would request a meeting with Labour Minister Makis Keravnos to discuss the bill before any final decisions were reached.

The bill says bakeries must not exceed a covered space of 80 square metres and can remain open on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week. They will be allowed to sell fresh bread, flour products and sweets baked in the oven, fresh milk, juice and sodas, packaged cold meats not exceeding a weight of 150 grams and packaged dairy products under 250 grams.

But the association says the bill is unfair and unjustified.

It says the measures to limit the size of bakeries and the list of products they will be allowed to sell are unreasonable, arguing the plan is a breach of free market principles and goes against EU regulations.

The association also finds the division of bakeries and confectioners in separate categories unjustified, as its members include both.

The Bakers’ Association applauded the Labour Ministry’s effort to draft a new law regarding the operation of shops, but deemed the provisions regarding bakeries unfair to consumers “who have been accustomed to the convenience of shopping at bakeries”.

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