During a meeting of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee today (20 September), Alliance Castle Councillor Sam Nelson proposed that Belfast City Council develops plans for a pilot Sunday trading scheme.
The scheme would use existing legislation to allow a six week-long relaxation of opening restrictions, which would facilitate earlier trading hours on a Sunday. A report will be brought back to the committee with detailed plans on what the pilot scheme would look like, including a public awareness campaign and aligned with family friendly animation.
The committee agreed to the proposal and a decision will be taken on the pilot scheme at a future meeting.
Cllr Nelson has said: “After trying for many years to explore the possibility of extending Sunday trading hours in Belfast, we’re glad to take this forward step with the Committee agreeing to develop plans for a pilot scheme. We look forward to seeing how this develops.
“We want to see a modernised, prosperous Belfast City Centre that is open for business. Extending trading hours means more choice and more jobs. We are constantly looking at ways to revitalise our city centre and this is another potential ways of adding to that.
“Of course, the existing protection of workers’ rights must remain at the centre of considerations around any amendment to trading hours legislation. That’s why we have proposed a pilot scheme. We want to assess the impact and the benefits that any pilot scheme will bring so we can make future decisions around Sunday trading hours based on available evidence.
“It would be our preference that any pilot scheme would take place in the run up to Christmas, however this is not possible within existing legislation. I’m glad the committee has also agreed to write to the relevant Minister to review legislation with a view to increasing flexibility in the future.
“This is about providing increased choice to businesses and residents alike, while bringing increased life and footfall to our city centre. Now is the time to do it, and Alliance is glad to see this important first step approved.”