Sunday trading laws

There is no restriction on the types of goods that can be sold on Sundays, although certain goods, such as alcohol, have separate regulations under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. It does not regulate street markets or car boot sales. These are subject to separate local planning legislation.

The protections in the Sunday Trading Act 1994 reflected the fact that the conditions of shop workers were being changed by legislation.

The law had created new circumstances for employees, which were contrary to their previous expectations. 

These provisions were consolidated into the Employment Rights Act 1996, whereby shop workers (other than those employed to work solely on Sundays) have the right to refuse to work on Sundays. 

• For more information, please see Trading Hours for Retailers: The Law.