Guernsey Sunday shopping 'may be deregulated'

In response to a survey on the issue, 64% of the 1,230 respondents were in favour of total deregulation

Shops could be allowed unrestricted opening on Sundays in Guernsey.

The proposal to repeal the current law, which controls the shops that can open, goods sold and opening hours, is one of two going before the States next month.

The other suggests simplifying the current system and bringing the legislation up to date.

Currently, shops have to apply for permission from parish authorities to open on individual Sundays or for a calendar year licence.

The law applies not only to shops, but stalls, kiosks and mobile vans and opening without a licence carries a maximum penalty of £50,000.

Deputies Al Brouard and David De Lisle favour changing the current system in a bid to make it easier to administer, provide clarity and address anomalies.

Protection for employees

This includes centralising the application process through the Commerce and Employment Department - over concerns the law is applied differently across the island's 10 parishes and the renewal process is "overly complicated".

It also involves simplifying permission for St Peter Port shops to open when cruise ships visit and removing the need for charitable events to require a licence.

Neither proposal involves removing protection for employees who do not wish to work on a Sunday. Since 2001, shop workers have had the right not to be penalised for refusing to work on a Sunday.

If approved, total deregulation could be brought in on 11 December, but if modifying the current system is the preferred option it is unlikely to be brought in before July 2016.

Sunday trading regulations were introduced in 1911 after concerns from the Anglican Dean of Guernsey that shopkeepers were opening on Sunday, which was not in the interest of the "morality and well being" of the community.