Commercial establishments can remain open for business today until 7 p.m. despite being a public holiday, in a bid to boost economic activity ahead of Easter, the Finance Ministry said yesterday.

Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi said requests for the concession had been made by the Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Chamber for SMEs - GRTU.

"This should not be considered as setting a precedent for every public holiday," Dr Azzopardi said.

Commenting on the ministry's decision, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin said that while it understood this decision could benefit consumers, it reminded employers and owners that they were legally obliged to pay employees double the normal rate of pay as it was a public holiday.

The UĦM urged employees and owners to abide by the law and pay workers what they were entitled to.

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