Supermarket trading restricted: Good or bad for pubs?
The PM planned a vote which would extend opening hours in supermarkets, but an unlikely alliance between members of his own party, Labour, SNP and DUP forced him to put the proposal on hold.
Cameron claimed the restrictions need to be “modernised” and a relaxation on trading hours would benefit families and boost jobs.
Currently only convenience stores with less than 3,000 square feet can open for more than six hours.
Pubs may be fearful that supermarkets being open for longer would be detrimental, due to the potential that customers may be enticed by cheap supermarket alcohol prices.
But industry leaders haven’t taken issue with proposals to extend larger stores’ hours.
The BBPA claims there could be benefits for pubs.
“If shoppers come out for longer on a Sunday afternoon, with more trade in the high street, pubs will undoubtedly be there to serve them,” a spokesman said.
And the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers said it understands the delay, but welcomes the changes.
Chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We understand the Government’s rationale for postponing its plans, but we hope they do not abandon them entirely. Thriving, active town centres are good for licensed hospitality businesses and we welcome any measures to increase footfall on our high streets.”
The ALMR would welcome similar relaxation of Sunday trading laws which were introduced for the Olympics in the run up to Christmas.
And senior drinks analyst at industry researchers Mintel Chris Wisson said that extending Sunday trading hours would be unlikely to have a huge impact on pub trade.
Baroness Burt of Solihull, the party’s business spokesman, told The Telegraph that the Liberal Democrats believe in supporting businesses and think the power to decide Sunday trading rules should rest with local councils.
In July’s Budget George Osborne said “there is still a growing appetite for shopping on a Sunday”.
