Extra Sunday Opening hours for Safe Shopping

Shoppers across Antrim and Newtownabbey can enjoy additional flexibility in the busy run-up to Christmas after the Council agreed to relax enforcement of Sunday Trading hours. This is to facilitate safer shopping environments and social distancing for staff and customers and to allow the effective management of customer volumes.

The additional Sunday opening hours will allow large retail shops to open or deliver from 10am each week until January 10.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said, “The approval for additional Sunday opening hours is welcome news. Christmas is a busy time in the shops so hopefully these extra trading hours will help alleviate any large crowds descending upon shops during the rush.

“Retailers are making major efforts to protect customers, but we all must remember to play our part in keeping ourselves, retail staff and other customers safe against COVID19. I would urge shoppers to wear their face-coverings, be respectful of others by social distancing, and most of all remember, it is the season of goodwill”.