Sunday Trading Notification
Sunday shopping hours
Following the introduction of the Sunday Trading Act in 1994 there have been no restrictions on shopping hours - apart from Sundays. All shops are now able to open without restrictions between Monday and Saturday.
Restrictions on opening times on Sundays are now confined to large shops (defined under the Act as those having an internal sales area of over 280 square metres).
The critical consideration is on the floor area definition, which is clarified as meaning the part of the shop within a building that is used for display of goods and customer services.
Large shops must:
- be registered with the Council for trading on a Sunday, and
- specify the six hours of trading on a Sunday which must be between the hours of 10.00 to 18.00, and
- provide a sign visible both internally and externally specifying the times of trading.
They are required to remain closed on Easter Sunday (and on Christmas Day when it falls on a Sunday).
The Borough Council keeps a public register of the large shops operating in its area, which can be viewed at the address below upon request.
Small shops are not covered by these restrictions and can open freely. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 also includes specific measures to protect the rights of shop workers who do not wish to work on Sunday.
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above it is left to individual owners to determine their opening hours in the light of customer demand.
In order to apply for a Sunday trading registration, traders need to apply in writing or use the online form providing details of the shop and your intended opening hours on a Sunday.
For further information on any of the above please contact:
Environmental & Recreation ServicesFleet Street Depot, Fleet Street, Nelson, Lancs.
BB9 9YQ Telephone: 01282 661199
Fax: 01282 661750
E mail : environmental.food@pendle.gov.uk
