Members of the retailers’ association POVEK announced that they will be carrying out a strike on 7 February 2002 protesting that legislation concerning retail trade such as sales, advertisements and signs is not being implemented.

Following a meeting between POVEK representatives and Mr. Nicos Rolandis of the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Tourism, the ministry issued an announcement stating that due to the very large number of retailers, including the large supermarkets, which violate current legislation concerning sales especially, it is very difficult for the ministry with the manpower it has to carry out proper control and take the necessary action. The ministry suggested that individuals can report instances of breaches directly to the police for further investigation.