Overview

This bill amends the Sunday Trading Act 1994 to allow local authorities in England and Wales to permit extended Sunday opening hours for garden centres selling horticultural supplies. The decision on whether to extend opening hours rests with individual local councils.

Description

The bill modifies the Sunday Trading Act 1994 by adding a definition of "garden centre" as a large shop primarily selling horticultural supplies. It introduces a new provision allowing local authorities to pass resolutions permitting extended Sunday trading hours for garden centres within their areas.

Local Authority Resolutions

Local authorities can decide to permit garden centre openings for up to eight continuous hours on Sundays, between 9 am and 7 pm. They can determine whether this applies to all Sundays, specific Sundays, or a limited number of Sundays within a defined period. The resolution can also specify a timeframe for its validity. The decision-making power resides with the local authority itself, not its executive.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The costs associated with implementing the changes will be borne by local authorities and the garden centres themselves.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities in England and Wales: They will have the power to decide whether to allow extended Sunday opening hours for garden centres in their area.
• Garden Centres: Businesses selling primarily horticultural supplies will have the potential to increase their trading hours on Sundays, depending on local authority decisions. This could lead to increased revenue but also potentially higher operating costs.
• Garden Centre Employees: May experience changes in their working hours and potential increases in employment opportunities or altered shift patterns, depending on the decisions made by local authorities and individual businesses.
• Local Residents: May experience changes in local Sunday trading patterns which could have both positive and negative effects depending on their views on extended Sunday trading.

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