There is to be no change to the laws on Sunday trading, the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced.
The DTI has completed its review of Sunday trading in the UK and, despite lobbying from major chains, has decided to make no change to the current law.
Alistair Darling, Secretary of State at the DTI, said: “We received nearly 1,000 responses to the consultation from consumers, religious groups, employees and business, with no substantial demand for change.
“On that basis, and having considered all the evidence from the review, we have concluded there should be no change to the Sunday trading laws.”
The decision has been hailed as a ‘victory’ for small shopkeepers who have campaigned hard against any moves to extend trading hours.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has consistently said that a change in the 1994 Sunday trading law was not necessary and that the status quo should be maintained.
They say that an extension to opening hours would be unfair to shopkeepers and staff.
Shane Brennan, ACS government relations manager, said: “We are delighted that the government has listened to us and decided to keep Sunday trading law as it is.
“There has been no convincing case for change and conclusive evidence of a damaging impact on small shops as a result keeping the status quo is the right decision.
“The Sunday Trading Act is a reasonable and enforceable balance between strong and opposing views.
“We congratulate all those involved in the campaign but in particular to the hundreds of independent retailers who lobbied their MPs to make their voice heard.”
© Crimson Business Ltd 2006
