Licensing - Sunday Trading Notification

Register of Shops Giving Notices For Sunday Trading

Following the introduction of the Sunday Trading Act in 1994 there have been no restrictions on shopping hours except for local planning restrictions and those imposed on large shops limited to trading for 6 hours on a Sunday and to remain closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.  All shops are now able to open without restrictions between Monday and Saturday.

Restrictions on opening times on Sundays are confined to large shops (defined under the Act as those having an internal sales area of over 280sq.m). The critical consideration is the floor area definition, which is clarified as meaning the part of the shop within a building that is used for display of goods and customer services.

Small shops are not covered by these restrictions and can open freely. The Sunday Trading Act 1994 also includes specific measures to protect the rights of shop workers who do not wish to work on Sunday. Restrictions on large shops also apply at Christmas. The Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prohibits such shops opening on Christmas Day and also restricts loading and unloading.

Subsequent to the Regulatory Reform Order (2004) it is no longer a requirement for large shops to register with the Local Authority. However we still maintain a register and if you would like to be included you can complete the Online Form Below.
                    
Apart from the restrictions mentioned above, it is left to individual owners to determine their opening hours in the light of customer demand.

Further information and details can be obtained by emailing the Environmental Health Team on EnvHealth@southbucks.gov.uk.