July 06 2006

Sunday trading laws to remain in force.

The Government has rejected calls to extend or fully deregulate Sunday trading hours saying that the restrictions in the 1994 Act are "still relevant".

BBC News Online reports the decision of Alistair Darling, Trade and Industry Secretary, who said of his review:

We have concluded there should be no change to the Sunday trading laws

Under the Sunday Trading Act 1994, large shops with a floor area of more than 280 square metres may only open for six continual hours between 10am and 6pm on Sundays - excluding Easter Sunday, when they must remain closed.

There had been vigorous campaigning on each side (Keep Sunday Special versus My Sunday, My Choice) as well as consultations with the public, businesses and religious groups. Ultimately the claimed £1.4bn of benefit to the UK economy did not sway deliberations.

Ian Jindal