SUNDAY trading should be made easier, according to a St Sampson’s constable.
Andy Bichard was speaking after La Carriere Stables at Baubigny applied for Sunday opening at its new shop.
The store is within the reception area at the stables and manager Jenny Froome wants to open it on six Sundays a year to coincide with events at the riding school.
Mr Bichard (pictured) said the current method should be updated to make it simpler for those applying and the constables assessing the premises.
‘Sunday trading is something that the island has agreed,’ he said.
‘There are certain aspects of it that seem quite a lot of hard work. It would be better, I think, for it to be made easier.’
Sunday trading recently came under scrutiny because of Le Friquet Garden Centre. In November, following complaints, parts of the newly-opened store were cordoned off on Sundays to put some goods out of bounds to customers. The clothing section and areas displaying plates, glasses, kitchen utensils and bathroom and beauty products were closed.
‘I think that we had a system before where Sunday was protected,’ said Mr Bichard.
‘I supported that. But we have moved away from that, therefore I think we should make it less onerous.
‘It’s a lot of work for something that could be relatively easy.’
However, Chamber of Commerce president and St Peter Port constable Barry Cash felt the laws did not need to change.
‘The Sunday trading laws are quite detailed and explicit,’ he said.
‘You have to bear in mind that what we don’t want to see is seven days a week shopping. The laws are quite clear at the moment about which shops can open, which serves the island particularly well.’
Mr Cash said a person would need to express a good reason for the laws to be relaxed, adding that they are flexible for those who serve tourists and allow shops to open for cruise ships.
‘Some visitors find it quaint that we close,’ he said.
‘That’s what Guernsey is about. If we are going to change, we should only change because there’s a reason for it.’
Chief trading standards officer at Commerce and Employment Bryan Guilbert said the 2002 ordinance had come about as a result of several States debates.
‘What currently exists is therefore a consensus view of the States of Deliberation at that time and it is not unusual to expect that different people will express different views as time passes,’ he said.
‘The department has not received any formal contact from either traders, the parishes or members of the public expressing the view that the ordinance is outdated, but people are free to express such a view and the department will consider those views when formulating its work programmes.’Ease off on Sunday trading, says constable
Article posted on 29th December, 2009 - 2.29pm
7 Article Comments
Time to make it simpler, what a good idea! If a shop is allowed to open on a Sunday then it should be able to sell all of the goods it sells, what on earth is the difference whether one buys a plate, a shirt or a newspaper.
I’m not advocating a free for all, but it seems areas of the current law do need a bit of a brush up, let us hope it happens and doesn’t get buried in the law officers ‘to do’ pile like a lot of things seem to.
I take it that whoever complained about
Le Friquet were actually there taking advantage of the fact it was open on a Sunday, so why complain?
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No matter what side of the Sunday trading fence you sit on, there’s no arguing that the law in its current state needs updating. It is daft that shops are allowed to open but can only sell certain items.
Either allow stores to open fully, or stop them opening at all. The present law makes no sense to anyone.
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Yes, please update these stupid Sunday trading laws,how absurd they must seem to visitors, in the current economic climate when just existing in retail is challenging to have to rope off sections of your goods because they cannot be sold on a Sunday is absolute madness.I have been on many cruises and visited places on a Sunday where none of the shops are open and that is cities/islands all over the world, it is disappointing, but at least consistent. Dont let any shops open on Sunday if you want that, but this business of you can sell this but not that in the same shop beggars belief.
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having waitressed for many years i struggled explaining sunday drinking laws to tourists whod walk out determined to find someone whod sell them alcohol and that we were just being awkward. sunday trading has been a pain in the proverbial for years. what diffrence does it make buying a card or a sack of spuds. let shops open , let them sell whatever they want, if the demand isnt there then they shut, if it is then we all win
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To be fair i have worked in retail for the past 9 years, I am glad I don’t have to work Sundays cause that means I am able to get the time off to spend with family and friends. So to be honest leave the law as it is cause the island is so small we do not need to open any more shops!
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I agree with David, we do not need more Sunday Openings, with the resulting problems.
One of the issues with Sunday Opening, is the unnecessary forms to fill out. A rain forest has to be cut down each year, to supply all the paper work.
Instead of needing 80 A4 for my parish, it could be done with 1 A4.,less work and money saved.
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I don’t think anyone is suggesting that those who work in retail should be forced to open and work on a Sunday. I just believe those shops that want to do so should be able to open and of course free of charge. It seems daft that shops cannot or will open not take advantage of the tourist season and cruise ships coming into port.
Not being local the Sunday trading laws have always been a mystery to me. If it is indeed for religious reasons why open anything at all? I cannot understand why it acceptable to allow people to work in pubs and serve alcohol whilst the sale of wellies is banned in a garden centre. I cannot remember ‘thou shall not buy wellies’ being in the bible :)
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