Trading will be done in longer hours as the government revives plans to amend the Sunday trading laws. The government revealed its plan to further pursue the controversial law with a business secretary to lead.
Since current Sunday trading law only allows shops to be opened for six hours, David Cameron has revived plans in allowing for longer Sunday openings despite opposition from certain organizations. According to The Guardian, Tory backbenchers, Trade unions and the Scottish National Party opposed the law being proposed by the Prime Minister. This lead to the speculations that the government will be backing out since they're thinking that the Prime Minister won't be collecting enough votes during its run with the House of Commons.
Nevertheless, business secretary Sajid David confirmed that the measures for longer opening hours law will be put forward as amendments to the Enterprise Bill as reported by Hort Week. Despite oppositions from numerous MPs and retailers, the secretary pushed this measure by allowing councils in introducing zones where shops can trade longer. He said that the new powers will be given to local areas wherein they have the choice to extend their trading hours so that they might suffice the needs of their local business and communities. He added ""It is local people who will make the decision."
Moreover, Telegraph detailed the reactions from organizations regarding this move by the government. In the article, Bryan Johnston from British Retail Consortium said that this will lead to fragmentation of the shopping landscapes as they could confuse the consumers. Moreover, James Lowman, chief executive of Association of Convenience said that extended Sunday hours will be located to out of town parks, hence hurting the high streets. Lastly, Labour accused the government of "gross abuse of power" after the short notice of the bill's passage. On the other hand, Open Sundays, praised the measure indicating that it is the first step to boost freedom.
Sunday Trading Law has been amended and will push through as detailed by Sajid David. The law will bring more opening shops for longer time during Sundays. The bill is intended to aid the local councils and areas as they'll make the decision. Lastly, reactions from different groups sparked after the announcement of the business secretary.
