Thursday 12 December 2024
Select a region
News

States loosen rules on Sunday trading

States loosen rules on Sunday trading

Wednesday 23 October 2019

States loosen rules on Sunday trading

Wednesday 23 October 2019


Larger shops and supermarkets will be allowed to open on a Sunday, the States have decided in a move settling a years-long debate.

Voting in favour of loosening the rules on Sunday trading, with 33 votes 'pour' and 11 'contre', States Members moved to give all businesses the option of opening the whole weekend after what was described as a "thoughtful" exchange of views.

Before this vote, shops below a certain size were allowed to open on a Sunday if they had permission from the Constable of their parish – but the decision will make trading seven days a week an option for the larger stores and big supermarkets.

days_of_the_week.jpg

Pictured: All shops will now have the option of opening on a Sunday.

Under a successful proposition by Minister for Economic Development Lyndon Farnham, businesses will still have to seek an annual permit to allow them to open between 10:00 and 16:00 on all regular Sundays – excluding Christmas or Boxing Day even if they fall on a Sunday.

Costing £120, the permits would be available on an annual basis and expire on 31 December.

During the debate, those speaking in favour of the proposal generally argued that loosening the regulations will give consumers choice and convenience.

supermarket_shopping_food.jpg

Pictured: The vote will mainly affect larger supermarkets and other stores.

Those against advanced arguments about protecting Sunday as a family day, matters of religious observance and concerns that those working in the retail sector would be forced to work seven days a week.

IN TWEETS: Highlights from the debate… 

Sign up to newsletter

 

Comments

Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.

You have landed on the Bailiwick Express website, however it appears you are based in . Would you like to stay on the site, or visit the site?