Public Support for Extended Sunday Trading Hours in Belfast
Approximately 80% of Belfast residents support the extension of Sunday trading hours during the summer, according to a survey conducted by Belfast City Council. The council is set to review the possibility of allowing large retail stores to open earlier on Sundays at a committee meeting scheduled for Friday.
Currently, large retail outlets are permitted to open only between 13:00 and 18:00 BST on Sundays. Should the proposed extension be approved, earlier Sunday openings could commence in July and remain in effect throughout the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival in August. This event, recognized as the world's largest festival of Irish music and dance, is anticipated to draw over 700,000 visitors to Belfast from 2 to 9 August.
Survey Findings on Sunday Trading Hours
The council's eight-week public consultation earlier this year yielded 5,701 individual responses, with 3,773 originating from Belfast residents. Published on Thursday, the results indicate that 82% of Belfast respondents favor extending Sunday opening hours, 16% oppose, and 2% remain neutral.
Among retail workers, opinions were more divided, with a narrow majority of 48% supporting the extension compared to 47% opposed. For context, a large store is defined as having a floor space exceeding 280 square metres, slightly larger than a tennis court.
Regarding positive feedback on extended Sunday openings based on religious background, the survey provided detailed insights, though specific figures were not included in the summary.
Business Perspectives on Extended Hours
A separate business survey received 101 responses, revealing that 57% of businesses support longer Sunday opening hours, while 38% are against the proposal.
For the extension to be implemented, Belfast must be officially designated as a holiday resort. This designation would permit large shops to open on 18 Sundays between March and September, excluding Easter Sunday.
Political and Union Responses
Alliance councillor Michael Long has called on all political parties at City Hall to endorse the proposal to extend Sunday trading hours.
"Alliance has been pressing for this measure for a decade and it can become a reality within a few weeks if other political parties are willing to listen to the views of residents, tourists, businesses and many shop workers.
"This will be a huge boost for the city, giving tourists and visitors more options on how to spend Sunday mornings in Belfast.
"It is important that workers have their rights protected and people already have the option to not work on Sundays."
Conversely, the trade union Usdaw has expressed opposition to extending Sunday trading hours. In a submission to the council, a spokesperson stated:
"Our members have told us - time and time again - that they do not want Sunday trading laws to be extended."
Background and Previous Debates
A comprehensive report of the public consultation findings has been published on the Belfast City Council website. The issue of Sunday trading hours has been debated multiple times over the past decade at City Hall. Notably, in 2017, a council committee voted 12-3 against extending Sunday opening hours.
