Business advice and support

The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. The sale of certain goods, such as alcohol, is subject to separate legislation. 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. If you do not observe the Sunday trading laws you can be fined £50,000 under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. The law on Sunday opening hours states that:

• Small shops, that is retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), can open all day
• Larger shops, that is 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 10am - 6pm

Some large businesses are exempt, for example businesses providing services such as pharmacies, motorway service areas, restaurants, hairdressers.

Alcohol sales on a Sunday

The Sunday Trading Act does not regulate the sale of alcohol or shops whose trade or business consists wholly or mainly of the sale of alcohol. These shops are regulated by separate legislation, for which the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is responsible.

Easter Sunday and Christmas Day

• Small shops such as retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet) can open all day
• Larger shops, such as, retail businesses with a floor area of over 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), are not allowed to open on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day (some large businesses are exempt, for example, pharmacies, motorway service areas, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses providing services)