Port Douglas' business are on notice after dozens were warned by inspectors from the Office of Fair Work Queensland about being open on Good Friday.

Inspectors swept through town after a complaint was made that more than 50 businesses in Macrossan Street alone had opened their doors without the necessary exemptions.

And those who do not heed the warning this ANZAC Day will be slapped with hefty fines, according to Something Tropical owner Doug Calvert who spoke with the inspectors.

"The inspector has advised that the next visit will not be a warning but rather issuing of fines," he said.

"The fine for businesses with over 20 people is $20,000 and under 20 is $4000 so this cannot be taken too lightly."

Businesses who may be eligible for exemptions include food outlets, hotels (only whilst serving food) and souvenir shops.

Mr Calvert, who also sits on the board of the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce, said local retailers were "outraged" at the warnings with thousands of people in town for the Easter break.

"We are all so desperate for trading while tourists are in town and one less day in the short Easter break is very upsetting for all the retailers in town.

"The implications of enforcing this act is the closure of 56 businesses (in Macrossan Street) that would normally open on a Good Friday making the town a very sleepy place for our tourists who are here for a few days over the Easter break."

The inspectors were ordered to come to Port Douglas after the complaint was lodged, but did not receive a warm Port Douglas welcome with one tourist apparently joining in the vocal criticism.

Previously the township of Port Douglas was exempt from the law due to its tourist town status, however this exemption was removed with the introduction of Labor's Fair Work legislation.

Mr Calvert said many business owners are oblivious to the law which also restricts trading on  ANZAC Day prior to 1pm unless exempt.

"It is likely that the inspectors will be back on ANZAC Day so we need to make sure all businesses are aware of potential breaches to the Fair Work Act."

Mr Calvert said there are moves to contact elected representatives at all levels of government to communicate the financial impact of the Act on the town's retailers.

For more information visit www.justice.qld.gov.au.

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