Sunday Trading

The Shops Sunday Trading (NI) Order 1997

Under this legislation, the occupier of a large shop located in an area designated as a Holiday Resort may apply to the District Council for permission to open on up to 18 Sundays per year outside the usual restricted hours. Normally, large shops may only trade between 1pm and 6pm on Sundays.

When the Council designates an area as a holiday resort, large shops within that area can open at any time on up to 18 Sundays between 1 March and 30 September each year (except Easter Sunday).

Please note that restrictions on the sale of beer, wine and spirits are governed by Liquor Licensing conditions and not by Sunday Trading legislation. Premises should refer to their Liquor Licence for specific requirements.

Exemptions for Large Shops

Some large shops are exempt from Sunday trading hour restrictions. Exemptions apply to:

• off-licences selling only or mainly alcohol
• outlets in airports and railway stations
• service station outlets
• registered pharmacies selling only medicinal products and medical or surgical appliances
• farms selling mainly their own produce
• outlets selling motor or bicycle supplies and accessories
• suppliers of goods to aircraft or sea-going vessels arriving at or departing from ports, harbours or airports
• exhibition stands selling goods

How to Apply?

Large shops (over 280m²) that wish to make use of additional Sunday trading hours between 1 March and 30 September must submit an application to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The application should specify the exact Sundays on which they intend to open for the extended hours.

Application forms can be obtained from:

or by clicking on the links in the downloads section.

Contact Details

Email: licensing@nmandd.org

Telephone: 0330 137 4030