The Office of Fair Trading has been contacted by a number of retailers and consumers asking for clarification in regard to opening hours on Christmas day.
The Shops Act 2000 says that essentially, every shop shall be closed for the serving of customers on Christmas Day.
'Shop' includes any premises, stall, vehicle or place in or from which any retail trade or business is carried on.
'Retail trade or business' includes the business of a barber or hairdresser, the sale of refreshments, the business of lending books, periodicals or other articles when carried on for the purposes of gain, and retail sales by auction, but does not include:
- the sale of medicines and medical or surgical appliances at any premises registered under section 40 of the Medicines Act 2003
- the sale of refreshments to those residing in, dining at or otherwise making bona fide use of the facilities provided by, hotels, guest houses or restaurants
- the sale of programmes, catalogues and refreshments to those attending a production at a theatre, cinema or similar place of amusement
If anybody requires clarification of the above, please contact the the OFT directly on +44 1624 686500.
