Following the federal government’s announcement to extend Sunday opening hours for bakeries and confectioners, various trade associations are now calling for a complete deregulation of shop opening times on Sundays. Stefan Genth, CEO of the main association of German retailers (HDE), told the newspaper “Bild-Zeitung” that they advocate for Sunday retail openings to keep town centers attractive and vibrant, stating that “shopping is also an leisure experience.”
Similarly, Nils Busch-Petersen, director of the Berlin-Brandenburg trade union, commented to the same publication that parties should finally move forward and allow merchants and customers to determine their own operations on Sundays. He criticized the current laws, noting that selling a shirt on a Sunday in Germany is punishable; he described this as antiquated in the online age.
René Glaser, head of Saxony’s trade association, also backed the demand for opening hours freedom. He pointed out that under current law, special reasons are always required for Sunday openings, and these requirements are often unclear. Glaser noted that securing legally sound permits from local municipalities is extremely difficult, stressing the urgent need for a change in legislation.
These demands stem from a draft proposal by the Federal Ministry of Labour. This proposal was approved by the Coalition Committee in Berlin last Wednesday (July 1st). Although the new rules are slated to take effect on January 1, 2027, the law must still be passed by the Bundestag.
