Trading and Markets
Street trading consent
Please see our Street Trading page.
Sunday Trading Law for England and Wales
What is the law on shop opening hours on a Sunday?
Small shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet) can open all day.
Larger shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of over 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), have restricted Sunday opening hours of no more than six hours between the hours of 10.00 to 18.00.
Some large businesses are exempt e.g. Pharmacies, Motorway Service Areas, Restaurants, Hairdressers and other businesses providing services.
What goods can be sold on a Sunday?
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. It does not regulate the sale of particular goods. The 1994 Act removed a number of anomalies which existed under the Sunday trading provisions of the Shops Act 1950, which prohibited the sale of some goods but not other, often similar, goods. Sale of certain goods, such as alcohol, is subject to separate legislation.
How does Sunday Trading Act affect street markets, car boot sales etc?
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 regulates shop opening hours. It does not regulate street markets or car boot sales.
What is the law on shop opening Easter Sunday and Christmas?
Small shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of less than 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet) can open all day.
Larger shops i.e. retail businesses with a floor area of over 280 sq meters (3,014 sq feet), are not allowed to open Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.
Some large businesses are exempt e.g. pharmacies, motorway service areas, restaurants, hairdressers and other businesses providing services.
Fines
Fine of £50,000 under the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004.
Markets
