Local Councils enforcing Sunday Trading Laws
Under the Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, shops over 280 square metres (3,014 sq ft) are restricted to 5 hours of trading on a Sunday.
Local press have recently reported an increased number of investigations led by Local Councils into Sunday trading by independently owned stores across Northern Ireland.
Whilst large multinationals can only open from 1pm to 6pm, there are reports of stores of similar size trading for longer hours, which are now actively being investigated.
The rules allow that shops with a floor area of up to 280 square metres (3,014 sq ft) can choose their own Sunday opening hours. Those shops currently with a floor area greater than 280 square metres (3,014 sq ft) can only open between 1pm and 6pm.
Small stores who may have expanded and now excced the 280 square metres (3,014 sq ft) limits need to be aware of these regulations and ensure they are adhereing to the limits on trading hours.
Full details of the legislation is available here.
If you would like to understand more about how Sunday Trading legislation could impact your business, please contact our Advisory Team.
Whilst every effort has been made by CavanaghKelly to ensure the accuracy of the information here, it cannot be guaranteed and neither CavanaghKelly nor any related entity shall have liability to any person who relies on the information herein. Information given here is for guidance only. Detailed professional advice should be taken before acting on any information contained herein. If having read the guidance here, you would like to discuss further; a member of our team would be pleased to help you.