Does anyone know how the small Tesco's can open but no big shops are allowed today? Just wonderiing that's all.

You kinda answered it yourself. Big shops aren't allowed to open, little shops are. Not sure what the cut-off point is though.

It's something to do with the square footage of the premesis... shops over a certain size are subject to restrictions in trading hours set by the government, whilst those under the limit can open when they like

In 1994 the Government introduced the Sunday Trading Act, which enabled large shops (over 280 sq m/3, 000 square foot) to open up the purpose of serving retail customers for up to 6 continual hours on Sunday, between 10am and 6pm in England and Wales. Small shops (under 280 sq m) have no restrictions on opening.

Meadowhall's probably been open today... How do they get around the thing about big shops not being allowed to open?

I presume, then, that there are special regulations which cover Easter Sunday, because there isn't a thing open around here. No Tesco, B&Q etc.

Meadowhall's probably been open today... How do they get around the thing about big shops not being allowed to open?

Meadowhall doesn't open. Big shops can't get around not being allowed to open because it's against the law.

Who'd want to go to Meadowhall today anyway? :confused:

I presume, then, that there are special regulations which cover Easter Sunday, because there isn't a thing open around here. No Tesco, B&Q etc.

Yes, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day* are the two days when big shops are not allowed to open.

*I think

I presume, then, that there are special regulations which cover Easter Sunday, because there isn't a thing open around here. No Tesco, B&Q etc.

Here you go.............http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073792287

Yes, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day are the two days when big shops are not allowed to open.

Correct. And the only 2 days of the year that Meadowhall doesn't open.

Shops in M'hall get fined if they close on any other days, or if they are not open before 10am or if they are shut before 9pm*.

On Boxing Day 2005, shops such as M&S and Beaverbrooks worked out that to stay shut and pay the fine from Meadowhall was cheaper than paying staff double time, utility bills etc, (plus the number of refunds they would have had to process because of unwanted presents etc) and therefore didn't open.


*this changes to 9am and 10pm over Christmas period.

It's rather ironic - wasn't the law supposed to protect independent small traders and prevent the likes of Tesco dominating?

3000 sq ft is the cut off point.

3000 sq ft is the cut off point.

So I am making a guess here that when they build their Express stores they make sure they are under 300 sq feet?

Anyone know any Express stores that are closed?

This is funny. I read the first few posts, decided I might post, realized the thread is 100 years old, then scrolled down to find I've already posted what I was going to post almost to the letter. I thought Groundhog Day was in February...

The Tesco Express at woodseats was open today, easter sunday and if I had to estimate I would say it was larger than 3000 sq feet, especially when I compare it to a warehouse I know the size of.