Sunday shop shake-up

MANY more shops could soon be allowed to open seven days a week under the biggest shake-up of Sunday trading laws in 50 years.

Economic Development want to scrap the current system which means that only 20 or so types of products on a prescribed list can be sold on the Sabbath.

They also want to end the postcode lottery – which has led to similar shops being able to open in some parishes and not others – and make it easier for shops to open on special occasions, including the run-up to Christmas, Good Friday and Liberation Day.

To effect the changes, Economic Development have drafted a new law which will update rules that have been in place since 1960.

At present, any shop can open on a Sunday, but can only sell goods on the prescribed list. The new draft law proposes that parish Constables will have discretion to allow any shops to open. However, regulations can be introduced after the law is passed that would place limitations on that discretion (from JEP)

closing shops give some folks time to clean outside and time to breathe
they cannot make a living in some shops opening now
perhaps it should be on a rota like the chemist that was every gets a bite of the cherry

I would have to be desperate to shop on a Sunday - but I think each to their own and if one shop can open - so should all of them be able to - but only if they wish....

When I am in the USA I do like the idea that shops are open on sundays and late till 8pm,

I am not sure that I would open sundays, even if I could but if everyone else did you may have to, to survive.

If you are not particularly religious or dont have kids etc then I suppose as long as you get a day off it does not matter when it is.

What I dont understand is this - you have 7 days in a week - and you have a disposible income of 'xxxx' amount. IMO whether shops are open 5/6/or 7/ days a week - people are still only going to spend the amount of money they have spare......unless they are hell bent on getting into debt...I for instance can imagine needing a loaf of bread or something similar - but I cannot really think that I would get such an overwhelming need for a computer/furniture/bed linen/perfume etc etc that I could not wait a day....why does everything to day have to be 'instant'????

maybe shops should be allowed to open on a sunday on a trial basis to see if it is worthwhile.would i go shopping on a sunday .i already do to m&s at st martins and they are always packed.much bigger queues than on any weekday

Just a passing eco oriented thought. If shops are open longer, they are likely consuming more power (lighting, heating/air con). Not particularly desirable.

st_ouennais wrote:Just a passing eco oriented thought. If shops are open longer, they are likely consuming more power (lighting, heating/air con). Not particularly desirable.

not just eco but the electricity and the extra staff has to be paid as well....We are still in a recession...