The convenience retail sector is up in arms over calls for Sunday trading rules for large stores to be scrapped.
Tesco and Asda both support the proposed relaxation of rules, which could end the limited six-hour Sunday opening times for stores over 3,000 sq ft. The debate was sparked this week by retail law firm Bond Pearce, which led a series of legal challenges in the 1980s and ’90s.
In its research of 900 Sunday shoppers, it found that nearly two thirds would like more hours to shop on a Sunday. An earlier study revealed that two thirds of retailers would open longer if allowed.
But convenience retailers, unions and industry bodies have slammed the proposals as a further impingement on the
sector’s viability. Federation of Private Business spokesman Ben Pinnington said he would be “extremely uneasy” about any changes.
“The supermarkets have a number of unfair competitive advantages over the high street. Sunday trading is one of the few areas where the high street has assistance from the law to better compete. Any dismantling of this kind is a major concern as it would give the big boys a chance to steal their trade. The high street is already in crisis.”
ACS public affairs manager James Lowman agreed, warning that any change would erode one of the key trading periods that keep local shops viable.
Spar’s corporate development director Philip Archant said it would be a great concern for the company if legislation changed. “We need to protect the advantage we have on Sundays.”
But Tony Askham, a partner at Bond Pearce, said: “This isn’t about whether Sunday shopping is a good idea or bad idea.That argument was won 11 years ago. Why do we need restricted opening hours anyway?”
Rachel Barnes
Tesco and Asda both support the proposed relaxation of rules, which could end the limited six-hour Sunday opening times for stores over 3,000 sq ft. The debate was sparked this week by retail law firm Bond Pearce, which led a series of legal challenges in the 1980s and ’90s.
In its research of 900 Sunday shoppers, it found that nearly two thirds would like more hours to shop on a Sunday. An earlier study revealed that two thirds of retailers would open longer if allowed.
But convenience retailers, unions and industry bodies have slammed the proposals as a further impingement on the
sector’s viability. Federation of Private Business spokesman Ben Pinnington said he would be “extremely uneasy” about any changes.
“The supermarkets have a number of unfair competitive advantages over the high street. Sunday trading is one of the few areas where the high street has assistance from the law to better compete. Any dismantling of this kind is a major concern as it would give the big boys a chance to steal their trade. The high street is already in crisis.”
ACS public affairs manager James Lowman agreed, warning that any change would erode one of the key trading periods that keep local shops viable.
Spar’s corporate development director Philip Archant said it would be a great concern for the company if legislation changed. “We need to protect the advantage we have on Sundays.”
But Tony Askham, a partner at Bond Pearce, said: “This isn’t about whether Sunday shopping is a good idea or bad idea.That argument was won 11 years ago. Why do we need restricted opening hours anyway?”
Rachel Barnes
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