Councillor Nelson was speaking after Belfast City Council backed a proposal for a two-pilot programme for the extension for larger stores over the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August. It comes in the wake of a public consultation showing over 80 per cent of people in Belfast are in favour of extending Sunday trading hours.

 

“Alliance has been leading the calls for an extension for the last decade, with all the evidence pointing toward it being a huge boost of Belfast, giving locals, tourists and visitors more options on how to spend their Sunday morning in the city,” he said.

 

“This public survey has laid out the overwhelming support for such an extension, with 82 per cent in favour, as well as a majority of retail workers and other sectors, including tourists, businesses and those with caring responsibilities.

 

“It would also help regenerate the city, and Alliance is keen to make it more family friendly, with events taking place on the days. Workers' rights will continue to be protected, which is crucial, and the right not to work on Sundays will not be affected.

 

“The Fleadh in August is going to see hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Belfast. I am confident the two-week pilot scheme will be a huge success and with the permanent Sunday trading hours extension finally in sight, it will not be too long before that is a reality.”