Sunday Trading Law for England and Wales

What is the law on shop opening hours on a Sunday?

• Small shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet) can open all day.
• Larger shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of over 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), have restricted Sunday opening hours of no more than six hours between the hours of 10.00 to 18.00.

Some large businesses are exempt e.g. Pharmacies, Motorway Service Areas, Restaurants, Hairdressers and other businesses providing services.

What goods can be sold on a Sunday?

The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. It does not regulate the sale of particular goods. The 1994 Act removed a number of anomalies which existed under the Sunday trading provisions of the Shops Act 1950, which prohibited the sale of some goods but not other, often similar, goods. Sale of certain goods, such as alcohol, is subject to separate legislation.

What are the rules governing alcohol sales on a Sunday?

Neither the sale of alcohol nor shops whose trade or business consists wholly or mainly of the sale of alcohol are regulated by the Sunday Trading Act 1994. They are regulated by separate legislation, for which the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is responsible.

How does Sunday Trading Act affect street markets, car boot sales etc?

The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. It does not regulate street markets or car boot sales. These are subject to separate local planning legislation, normally enforced by local authorities.

Why are large garden centres not able to open on Easter Sunday?

This was considered by Parliament in 1994 during the passage of the Sunday Trading Bill. An amendment proposing that large garden centres should be exempt from closing on Easter Sunday was defeated on a free vote in both Houses.

Why is there special protection for Sunday working in shops?

The protections in the Sunday Trading Act 1994 reflected the fact that the conditions of shop workers were being changed by legislation. The law had created new circumstances for employees which were contrary to their previous expectations. These Provisions were consolidated into the Employment Rights Act 1996, whereby shopworkers (other than those employed to work solely on Sundays) have the right to refuse to work on Sundays.

Why doesn't this protection extend to Scotland?

The protection was originally introduced by the Sunday Trading Act 1994, which does not extend to Scotland. The Sunday Working (Scotland) Act 2003 provides protection for shop and betting workers in Scotland.

What is the law on shop opening Easter Sunday and Christmas?

• Small shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet) can open all day.
• Larger shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of over 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), are not allowed to open Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.

Some large businesses are exempt e.g. pharmacies, motorway service areas, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses providing services.

Fines

Fine of £50,000 under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004.