Under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 all large shops (with a floor area of 280 square metres or more) may open for a maximum of six hours from 10am to 6pm.

These shops are not permitted to open on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day when this falls on a Sunday.

The hours of trading must be displayed on notices inside and outside the shop.

Businesses are not required to notify Local Authorities of their intention to trade on a Sunday as this requirement was removed by a Regulatory Reform Act in 2003 to reduce red tape for businesses.

The Sunday opening hours of smaller shops are not restricted.

Some shops are exempt such as:

restaurants,

takeaways,

farm shops,

chemists,

petrol stations,

motor or cycle supplies,

shops at an airport or railway station,

those selling alcoholic drinks.

The Health Protection Team in Environmental Services enforce the legislation and investigate breaches of the legislation and any complaints.