Except for on Sundays, when a lazy day or long lunch might mean you miss out completely on the opportunity to do your weekly shop – because so many stores close their doors at 5pm or earlier.
What is the Sunday trading law?
Large shops and supermarkets in England and Wales are allowed to open on Sundays, but only for six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm.
These same stores must be closed on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day – and often have reduced hours on other Bank Holidays.
The large stores – including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's – also need permission from local councils to have stock deliveries before 9am on a Sunday.
The law does not apply to 'small shops' – which are those under or equal to 280 square metres (3,000 square feet).
This is why you can find some off-licenses and smaller local chain supermarkets open outside of these hours.
Stores in Northern Ireland can only trade between 1pm and 6pm. There are no trading time restrictions in Scotland.
Exemptions to the Sunday Trading Act 1994
* Airport and train station shops
* Service and petrol station shops
* Registered pharmacies selling only medicinal products and medical and surgical appliances
* Farms selling mainly their own produce
* Stores mainly selling car or bike supplies and accessories
* Shops supplying goods to planes or boats on arrival at – or departure from – a port, harbour or airport
* Exhibition stands selling goods
What are the Sunday opening hours at your favourite supermarkets?
Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco superstores will either be open between:
- 10am and 4pm
- 11am and 5pm
- Or 12pm and 6pm
The rules do not apply to most Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express stores – which often still stay open until 10pm or 11pm, even on a Sunday.
You can check your nearest supermarket's opening times here.
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