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A recent survey conducted by Belfast City Council reveals strong local support for extending Sunday trading hours during the summer months. Currently, regulations only permit large stores to open between 1 pm and 6 pm on Sundays. However, a council committee is scheduled to deliberate on a proposal that would allow earlier opening times, potentially starting in July and continuing through August to coincide with the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival. This event, known as the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance, is expected to draw over 700,000 visitors to Belfast from August 2 to 9.
The survey gathered a total of 5,701 responses, with 3,773 coming from Belfast residents. Among these respondents, an overwhelming 82% expressed support for longer Sunday opening hours, 16% opposed, and 2% remained neutral. Retail workers showed a more divided stance, with a narrow majority of 48% against and 47% in favor. For reference, a large store is defined as one with a floor space exceeding 280 square meters, roughly the size of a tennis court. The breakdown of support by religious background highlighted that 91% of respondents from a Catholic background were positive about the extension, compared to 64% from a Protestant background and 85% from those identifying with neither.
Feedback from the business community also indicated a favorable attitude, with 57% of 101 surveyed businesses backing the longer Sunday hours and 38% opposing. One of the requirements for the city to legally extend trading hours is an official designation as a holiday resort. If granted, it would allow large shops to open on 18 Sundays between March and September, excluding Easter Sunday. Alliance councillor Michael Long has voiced strong support for the proposal, urging all political groups at City Hall to consider the views of residents, visitors, and business owners.
Councillor Long remarked, “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.” In contrast, the trade union Usdaw has opposed the extension, with a spokesperson stating, “Our members have told us – time and time again – that they do not want Sunday trading laws to be extended.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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