Review of Sunday Trading Law

We believe the time has come to have a fresh look at the issues around Sunday Trading.

The current Sunday Trading laws have been in place for more than ten years. Consumers now have greater expectations. Many more people are in employment, often benefiting from flexible working outside core 9-5 weekday hours. We are a more multicultural society. There is greater recognition that we should only regulate where it is necessary to do so.

The Secretary of State has asked DTI officials to review the pros and cons of further liberalisation of the Sunday Trading laws (which apply to England and Wales only).

As part of that work, we are commissioning an independent economic cost-benefit analysis. We expect this work to be completed and published in the Spring.

Project Scope (2 pages).

DTI have written to a large number of organisations, groups and retailers seeking their views on Sunday Trading.

List of groups DTI wrote to in January 2006 (2 pages).

We also welcome further relevant evidence or views on this subject from any consumers, religious groups, employees and businesses, not only on the economic case, but on all aspects on further liberalisation. Please mark as confidential any material which you do not wish to be published.

Any views and evidence you wish to submit should be sent via email, by 14 April 2006, to: 

sundaytrading@dti.gov.uk

Or by writing to:

Maria Bazell
Consumer and Competition Directorate
Bay 418
Department of Trade and Industry
1 Victoria Street
LONDON
SW1H 0ET