London-based businesses, grappling with the repercussions of the cost-of-living crisis, are advocating for relaxed Sunday trading regulations in the capital to alleviate financial strains.

The Knightsbridge Partnership Business Improvement District (BID) strongly supports extended opening hours, estimating a potential annual revenue boost of £300 million if the regulations were amended.

Liberal Democrat London Assembly members echo this sentiment, emphasizing that such a change could bolster tourism and employment opportunities within the city.

Despite these pleas, the government currently asserts no intentions to alter the existing legislation.

The roots of Sunday Trading regulations trace back to the Sunday Fares Act of 1488, a time when Sundays were traditionally observed as a religious day of rest. However, the shift occurred in 1994 with the introduction of the Sunday Trading Act, allowing smaller shops unrestricted Sunday hours while limiting larger stores over 3,000sq ft (280sq m) to operate for a maximum of six hours.

Steven Medway, CEO of the Knightsbridge Partnership BID, highlights the potential economic impact, citing estimates of generating thousands of jobs and millions in additional revenue through relaxed Sunday trading regulations.

Stores like Harrods, as Medway emphasizes, witness high volumes of turned-away visitors on Sunday evenings, drawing attention to the advantage enjoyed by places like Paris and New York, which have more flexible trading hours.

Despite the potential benefits, concerns from small business owners loom large, particularly regarding intensified competition if larger stores extend their Sunday hours. Chandra Goyal, owner of Central Food and Wine shop in Soho, expresses worries about losing customers to supermarkets with lower prices if regulations were relaxed for larger stores.

While Scotland has never faced Sunday trading restrictions, offering unrestricted hours, London deliberates on whether to follow suit. Hina Bokhari, a Liberal Democrat member of the London Assembly, advocates for change, citing the success observed in Scotland and questioning why London can't emulate similar practices.

However, the debate encompasses broader concerns beyond economic impact. Ellie Reeves, Labour MP for Lewisham West and Penge, urges caution, emphasizing the need for balance between work and personal life for employees. She suggests alternative strategies such as business rate reforms and measures to address empty shops and retail-area policing.

Sir Bob Neill, Conservative MP from Bromley and Chislehurst, suggests a phased approach, proposing pilot schemes during peak periods like Christmas or in specific London zones to assess effectiveness. He stresses the importance of safeguards to prevent overburdening shops and staff.

As of now, the government maintains a stance of non-intervention, stating no imminent plans to amend the existing Sunday Trading Act. Photo by Edwardx, Wikimedia commons.