Young Shire Council has thrown its support behind a NSW government proposal for the show’s half-day public holiday to become an “event day” from next year to benefit local businesses.

But the question on people’s lips at the moment is will it benefit the show?

Young Show Society president Tony Starr believes there will be no major impact and that the society “wouldn’t be adverse” to the change.

The new proposal was put forward at council’s last monthly meeting on September 17, at which councillors agreed unanimously to support the half-day event day from 12pm to 6pm for the 2015 Young Show on Tuesday, September 22.

In a report tabled at the meeting, general manager Peter Vlatko said “they have been given a clear indication that in future the half day holiday should only be an ‘event’ and not a public holiday”.

This means, under the NSW Public Holidays Act, banks or shops located within the designated holiday area will be free to open and trade during the show, without incurring paid leave or penalty rates for their employees.

Mr Starr said it was a topic that’s been discussed quite heavily for the last three to four years and “to be honest, most businesses remain open, it’s only the banks who really stick to it”. 

“Our numbers usually increase after 5pm anyway… and people take holidays from work during school holidays too,” he said.

“It still recognises it as a day of special significance to the local community… it’s fairer for public businesses.”

In previous years council had always applied for a half day public holiday on the second day – Tuesday – of the Young Show.

This year’s public holiday hours were condensed between 12pm and 6pm – instead of 12pm onwards – to reduce the cost to businesses after 6pm on the day.

NSW Industrial Relations executive director Vicki Telfer said in a letter also tabled at the meeting, it was important for council to be aware of the impact a public holiday or event day had on businesses and the community before applying to the Industrial Relations Minister.

They are also required to consult with the community on the proposal.

“A declared local event day does not automatically mean employers in the particular locality are compelled to treat the day as a public holiday,” Ms Telfer said.

“Entitlements to paid leave or penalty rates on a local event day will only arise where agreed to at the workplace level.”

Mr Vlatko said it was a case of being a “two-bladed edge”, saying either way the day would impact the show and small businesses.

“At least this way it’s the choice of the owner to stay open or not,” he said.

The Young and District Chamber of Commerce agreed the option should be up to businesses, questioning how many employees actually attended the show or used the time for personal errands.

“The show does bring a lot of outside interest to town and having the town open and ready for business is a good look, rather than the majority of businesses closed and turning away potential customers and sales,” Chamber of Commerce vice president Emily Bowker said.

Council is seeking comments from the public, the Show Society and the Chamber of Commerce for the half day to be an “event” only, with submissions closing on October 3.

Submissions and a final decision will be brought back to council at its October monthly meeting.