All Guernsey shops allowed to open on Sundays

Campaigners against the move said the controls on shopping were part of the "moral fabric" of island life

Controls on which shops can open and what goods can be sold on Sundays in Guernsey are to end.

The rules, which also govern opening hours, will end on 11 December after a States vote of 25-19.

Currently bigger shops are banned from opening while smaller shops, kiosks and stalls have to get a licence to open.

A move to centralise and simplify the system and update the legislation was passed over in favour of deregulation.

The changes will not affect rules about the sale of alcohol.

Employees who do not wish to work on a Sunday are protected by law from being penalised for their choice.

The regulations around Sunday trading were introduced in 1911 over concerns from the Anglican Dean of Guernsey that shops opening on Sunday was not in the interest of the "morality and well being" of the community.

Roy Sarre, former retailer and Keep Sunday Special campaigner, said the news was "devastating" and he was concerned it would mean a fall in the standard of customer service in retail outlets in the island.

Mark Cox, chief operating officer of the Channel Islands Co-operative, said: "I think it's correct the market should decide on whether there is a need for Sunday trading in the island.

"This has been back and forth to the States over a number of years, it's good a final decision has now been made.

"Retailers can look at their own individual businesses and decide whether they want to open."

The company has three large stores that are unable to open under the current laws.

Mr Cox said they would only open if there was a desire from customers and the impact on staff had been investigated.