Following the introduction of the Sunday Trading Act in 1994 there have been no restrictions on shopping hours - apart from Sundays. All shops are now able to open without restrictions between Monday and Saturday.
Restrictions on opening times on Sundays are now confined to large shops (defined under the Act as those having internal sales areas of over 280 square metres).
Occupiers of such large shops will still be required by the Sunday Trading Act to display their Sunday trading hours (a maximum period of 6 continuous hours between 10am and 6pm), both within and outside of the shops.
The Council has a duty to ensure that businesses are adhering to the Sunday Trading Act and can inspect premises to do this.
Some businesses are exempt, such as pubs, restaurants, takeaways, farm shops, chemists, petrol stations, hairdressers, shoe repairs, motor or cycle supplies, shops at airports, shops at railway stations, and those selling alcoholic drinks.
If the Sunday is an Easter or Christmas Day, then large shops are not permitted to open unless operated by people of the Jewish faith.
For further information on the Sunday Trading Act and how it affects businesses, please contact Customer First on 01253 477477 or email customer.first@blackpool.gov.uk
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