Big changes may be coming to the way we shop on Sundays. The government is reportedly looking at relaxing the long-standing restrictions on supermarket opening hours, meaning chains like
Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons could stay open for longer.
At the moment, the Sunday Trading Act (introduced in 1994) limits large shops – anything bigger than 280 square metres – to just six consecutive hours of trading between 10am and 6pm. That’s why most supermarkets open 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm. Smaller shops, as well as petrol stations, farm shops and pharmacies, are exempt and can trade freely.
According to The Grocer, Treasury insiders have suggested that the Autumn Budget in November may include proposals to update these rules. Supporters say longer opening times would reflect modern shopping habits and give customers more flexibility, while also helping boost the economy.
The discussion comes alongside wider reforms to business rates. From April 2026, smaller retailers with a rateable value under £500,000 will get permanent tax cuts. To balance that, larger stores will face higher business rates from next year. Retailers have warned that the changes could put pressure on big chains and risk further high street closures.
Still, some argue that extending Sunday trading could help offset these costs. One source told The Grocer: "It makes sense to change outdated Sunday trading laws to drive economic growth. Business rates are equally outdated, so you can see why the government wants to reform them."
If the changes go ahead, shoppers may find themselves with more choice – and more time – for their Sunday supermarket runs. Photo by Jongleur100, Wikimedia commons.
