Belfast says 'yes' to extension of Sunday trading hours
Belfast City Council is considering extending Sunday trading hours after a survey showed that 82% of residents support the change. Currently, large stores can only open in the afternoons, but an extension could allow earlier openings starting in July. The proposal is aimed at accommodating the influx of visitors for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival in August.
- ▪About 80% of Belfast residents favor extending Sunday trading hours during summer months.
- ▪A public consultation revealed 82% support for the extension, while retail workers were split on the issue.
- ▪To extend trading hours, Belfast must be designated as a holiday resort, allowing large shops to open on 18 Sundays between March and September.
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| Publication time | Fri, 22 May 2026 07:39:31 GMT |
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Belfast says 'yes' to extension of Sunday trading hoursJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMark SimpsonCommunity correspondent, BBC News NIGetty ImagesWhether or not to allow large stores to open earlier on a Sunday will be considered by a council committee on FridayAbout eight out of 10 people in Belfast are in favour of extending Sunday trading hours during the summer months, according to a survey carried out by the city council.Whether to allow large stores to open earlier on a Sunday will be considered by a council committee on Friday.Currently, large shops can only open in the afternoons between 13:00 and 18:00 BST.If an extension is approved, earlier opening could begin in July and be in place for the all-Ireland festival - Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - in Belfast in August.It…
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