Four years since retail laws passed, but no help for cafe owner
A cafe owner in dispute over a building compliance issue may have to take their case to court, as a retail law passed four years ago is yet to be enacted.
Four years after Tasmanian retail laws were revised, one small business owner is still facing a $50,000 legal bill amid a lease dispute. Despite the new Retail Leases Act 2022, only two of its 90 sections have come into effect. Cafe owner Hayley Dick found herself in the middle of a conflict with her landlord over installing a grease trap, a requirement for compliance with TasWater regulations.
The cost of installing the trap is estimated at $29,000, but the lease she signed strictly prohibits her from altering the premises. With limited resources available, Dick is considering escalating her dispute to court, which could cost her up to $50,000. Despite assurances from the government, she is still unsure how to obtain the funds needed to resolve the issue.
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