DTI: 'no substantial demand for change'
There will be no change to the Sunday trading laws, the Government has revealed today.

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: 'Having considered all the evidence from the review, we have concluded there should be no change to the Sunday trading laws.'

The Government launched a review into Sunday shopping hours after pressure from certain retailers, notably Asda plus the DIY and garden centre sectors. It commissioned a cost-benefit analysis and carried out an informal consultation as part of the review.

The Department of Trade and Industry said there was no substantial demand for change after receiving nearly 1,000 responses to the consultation from consumers, religious groups, employees and business.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the decision, claiming it as a victory for all those that campaigned to maintain the 1994 Sunday Trading Act.

ACS government relations manager Shane Brennan said: 'There has been no convincing case for change and conclusive evidence of a damaging impact on small shops as a result keeping the status quo is the right decision. The Sunday Trading Act is a reasonable and enforceable balance between strong opposing views.'

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