Sunday Trading Rules in England and Wales: Six Questions Shopkeepers Ask
Small shops can open when they like on a Sunday. Larger shops face limits. A plain Q&A on the rules for shopkeepers.
If you run a shop, Sunday can be a good trading day, but the rules depend on the size of your premises. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 is the law behind them. This Q&A is based on a summary published by Northumberland County Council. Always check the current position with your own council before you change your opening hours.
1. Is my shop a "large shop"?
The council's summary says the dividing line is 280 square metres, which is about 3,000 square feet. Shops under that size have no restriction on opening hours. Shops over it are treated as large shops and are subject to the Sunday rules below.
2. What are the Sunday hours for a large shop?
Large shops have no opening-hour restrictions from Monday to Saturday. On a Sunday they may open for six continual hours only, and those hours must fall between 10am and 6pm. So a large shop could, for example, open from 11am to 5pm, but it could not open from 9am to 3pm.
3. What about Easter Sunday and Christmas Day?
Large shops must close on Easter Sunday and on Christmas Day. The council's summary says this includes garden centres.
4. Do I have to tell the council which hours I will open?
Not any more. According to the council, large shops in England and Wales no longer have to give their local authority prior written notice of their Sunday opening hours or of any changes to them.
5. Are there other rules I should know about?
The same summary points out three things. Street markets and car boot sales are not covered by the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and are dealt with under separate local planning legislation. Alcohol sales have their own rules under the Licensing Act 2003, so opening on a Sunday does not settle the question of when you can sell alcohol. And shop workers, other than those employed solely to work on Sundays, have the right under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to refuse Sunday work.
6. Where can I check the detail?
The council's page refers readers to GOV.UK's guidance, "Trading hours for retailers: the law". Your local trading standards or licensing team can also confirm how the rules apply to your premises, particularly if you are close to the 280 square metre line or operate across several units.
A quick checklist for Sunday trading
- Measure your sales area, or confirm the figure on your lease or business rates paperwork.
- If you are a large shop, pick six continual hours between 10am and 6pm and put them on your door, website and Google profile.
- Mark Easter Sunday and Christmas Day as closed in your rota.
- Check alcohol licensing conditions separately.
- Make sure staff know their rights about Sunday working.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and guidance can change, so check the current position on GOV.UK or with your local council.