NI Council extends Sunday trading hours for large retailers

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council has extended Sunday trading hours for large retailers for the rest of December
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Normally these retailers, usually in large shopping complexes, are restricted to opening from 1pm to 6pm on Sundays.

However they will now be allowed to open from 10am on Sunday mornings during the pre-Christmas trading period.

A spokesperson for the Council said: “Supporting the current public health advice, the short-term measure approved by council this week will provide customers with extra shopping time to safely access essential food supplies during the ongoing pandemic and will also help ensure the safety of retail staff is maintained.

Sunday trading.Sunday trading.
Sunday trading.

“Larger stores and supermarkets in excess of 280 square metres will now have the opportunity to open their doors and trade from 10am until 6pm on Sunday 13, 20 and 27 December 2020, should they wish to.”

Lord Mayor Councillor Kevin Savage commented: “The decision taken by council to extend Sunday trading hours is a small but effective measure to help ensure the safety of customers and staff is maintained as the pandemic continues.

“Already known for its crowds, the pre-Christmas trading period can be a very challenging experience for many and may prove more so with the addition of important social distancing measures. Therefore, with longer shopping hours now permitted, customers including our key workers and most vulnerable in society, will have greater flexibility to choose when to shop, enabling them to access their goods in a safe and Covid-secure environment.”

Normal Sunday trading hours will resume on Sunday 3 January 2021.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will continue to review this in line with Government restrictions.

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