SUNDAY trading restrictions in Belfast are to be relaxed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Belfast City Council last night said large stores and supermarkets could open for three extra hours.
It also said that the council would not take enforcement action against any stores which took the decision to open for longer hours on Sundays during the Covid-19 crisis.
The temporary initiative aims to help healthcare workers and vulnerable people to get their shopping.
The relaxation in the trading restrictions comes into effect tomorrow and will allow the stores to open from 10am, rather than 1pm.
It remains unclear how many will stores will take advantage of the relaxed restrictions. It is understood that it is up to each business whether or not their decide to open their doors for the extra hours now allowed.
A Belfast City Council spokesperson last night said: "We have agreed that council will not carry out enforcement action against large retail shops (in excess of 280sqm) should they choose to open or deliver on a Sunday from 10am onwards (until 6pm) except Easter Sunday in order to facilitate shopping for healthcare staff and vulnerable people.
"This arrangement is temporary and will be in place from Sunday 5 April until further notice."
