Unlocking Sundays: Boosting Hospitality Through Liberalised Trading in England and Wales

By Mark Allatt, Open Sundays campaign

The hospitality sector in England and Wales stands at a crossroads. Current Sunday trading laws restrict large stores - those exceeding 280 square metres - to just six hours of operation, between 10am and 6pm. This framework, established by the Sunday Trading Act 1994, aims to preserve a day of rest. However, as consumer habits evolve and economic pressures mount, calls to liberalise these restrictions grow louder. For pubs, restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality venues, scrapping these limits could usher in a new era of vitality. By allowing major retailers to open freely, footfall would surge, extending the day's energy into the evening and creating opportunities for hospitality businesses to thrive. Evidence from unregulated Scotland, alongside pilot schemes, underscores the potential gains.

At the heart of the benefits lies the "halo effect" generated by anchor stores such as supermarkets and department chains. These large outlets act as powerful magnets for shoppers on Sundays. Without restrictions, families and casual visitors flock to them for extended outings, rather than brief errands. In Scotland, where no such limits exist, town centres experience a 15-20% higher visitor count compared to England. This influx doesn't stop at the supermarket doors; it spills over to surrounding areas. Shoppers, having spent time browsing groceries or household items, often seek refreshments or meals nearby. Hospitality venues positioned close to these anchors - think cosy cafes in shopping arcs or pubs on high streets - capture this traffic. A report from the Centre for Retail Research highlights how proximity to large stores can uplift takings by up to 30%, a boon that extends to food and drink establishments through increased patronage.

Extended opening hours encourage longer dwell times, transforming Sundays into full-day experiences. Consumers plan comprehensive trips, combining shopping with leisure. A family might start with essentials at a major retailer, then wander to a local bistro for lunch or a coffee shop for an afternoon break. This prolonged presence keeps streets animated well beyond the current curtailed hours, countering the "ghost town" atmosphere that plagues many towns after 4pm. In trial areas with relaxed regulations, such as during the 2012 Olympics in England, footfall surged by 7-9%, with high streets benefiting from the extended vibrancy. For hospitality, this means more opportunities for impulse visits. Cafes report higher trade as shoppers take breaks, while restaurants see boosts in evening diners concluding their day out. The British Independent Retailers Association has noted a 25% uplift in average transaction values for small outlets in these trials, a trend that mirrors hospitality's gains as customers linger and spend more freely.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the mutual relationships between large retailers and local hospitality providers. Smaller food businesses often supply anchors with regional produce, from artisanal breads to craft beers, fostering community partnerships. In return, the steady stream of shoppers from these stores supports hospitality's bottom line. Pubs and restaurants benefit from busy car parks and lively pavements extending into the evening, drawing in those who wrap up shopping with a meal. This effect is amplified in tourist-heavy areas, where liberalised trading could align England and Wales with more flexible European counterparts, enhancing appeal to visitors seeking all-day experiences.

Empirical evidence from fully deregulated markets further bolsters the case. In Ireland, where Sunday trading faces no restrictions, small retailers - including hospitality outlets - have adapted without disproportionate decline. A 2015 European study across 30 countries found net-positive effects on employment and revenues, with independents carving out niches that complement larger chains. Employment in the sector rose overall, countering fears of job losses. For UK hospitality, already grappling with post-lockdown recovery and rising costs, this could mean thousands of new roles in serving, kitchen, and management positions. Oxford Economics' analysis of potential deregulation estimates economic benefits of £1.5 billion over a decade, with hospitality capturing a significant share through increased consumer spending. Family-run SMEs, common in hospitality, report opportunities for growth and competitive pricing in less restricted environments.

Critics of liberalisation often cite concerns over worker rights and the erosion of family time. They argue that extended hours could pressure staff into unwanted shifts, potentially harming work-life balance. However, safeguards exist: the Enterprise Act 2016 strengthened opt-out provisions for Sunday working, ensuring employees can choose without repercussions. Moreover, in Scotland, hospitality workers have not reported widespread dissatisfaction; instead, flexible shifts align with peak demand, offering premium pay opportunities. Far from squeezing independents, deregulation encourages adaptation - pubs might host Sunday events, or cafes offer extended brunches - to differentiate from retail giants.

The economic imperative is clear amid ongoing challenges. The hospitality sector contributes billions to the UK economy but faces headwinds from inflation, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer patterns. Liberalising Sunday trading could inject vitality, aligning England and Wales with global trends where weekends drive leisure spending. Government figures project job creation and boosted GDP, with local authorities empowered to tailor rules to their communities. Recent discussions, including ministerial floats for reforms in 2025, signal momentum. For high streets reliant on weekend trade, this change promises a renaissance, where every pint poured or meal served contributes to a thriving ecosystem.

Scrapping Sunday trading restrictions offers hospitality a lifeline. From surging footfall and prolonged visits to symbiotic partnerships and economic uplift, the advantages are compelling. As evidenced by Scotland's success, liberalisation fosters growth without undermining smaller players. For England's and Wales' pubs, restaurants, and cafes, open Sundays could mean fuller tables, stronger communities, and a brighter future.