NI Council relaxes Sunday opening rules for major food stores

Strict Sunday trading laws for large supermarkets are to be relaxed by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
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Currently the law prohibits large stores such as Tesco and Sainsburys to open before 1pm and after 6pm on Sundays.

Recently this has led to long queues and there had been requests by some shopping centres for the rules to be relaxed.

Belfast City Council relaxed the rules last week and now ABC Council has followed suit.

Tesco, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of Google.Tesco, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of Google.
Tesco, Craigavon. Photo courtesy of Google.

The stores will now be allowed to open earlier and close later.

In a statement the council said: “Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will operate a relaxed approach to legislative Sunday trading hours for food stores on: 29 November, 6 December, 13 December and 20 December.

“This temporary measure will apply to food stores in excess of 280 square metres and will help support the current public health advice as customers access essential food supplies during this period.”

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