Chamber hails Sunday trading debate
GREATER Manchester Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Government consultation on the possibility of relaxing of Sunday trading laws which restrict stores above 3,000sq ft from opening for more than six consecutive hours on Sundays.
Head of Research and Policy at GMCC Christian Spence warned, however, of “potentially significant impact on smaller retailers who have, up to now, been protected from competition from larger stores in the early or later hours on Sundays”.
He went on: “We welcome the consultation to allow the wider business community to make the case either way and the fact the government is keen to see this as a devolved issue means local authorities will have the opportunity to change regulations on a case-by-case basis, understanding that it unlikely there is a one-size solution for the country as a whole.”
Under Government proposals, mayors and local councils will get new powers to allow high street stores in order to compete with large out-of-town shopping centres and online retailers.
Authorities will be given the opportunity to zone areas where Sunday trading laws will be relaxed.
The move was announced today as communities minister Brandon Lewis and business minister and Anna Soubry, launched the consultation process on liberalising Sunday trading laws.
Chancellor George Osborne announced plans in his July budget that he would strengthen the hand of mayors by giving them power to set Sunday trading laws in their areas.
