Mixed reactions to plan to open shops on Sundays in Switzerland

A proposal by the Federal Council, initiated by the Canton of Zurich, would allow shops to be open 12 Sundays a year.

Current rules allow shops to be open for four Sundays a year, but under the new proposal, shops would be allowed to open on one Sunday each month.

During the consultation period, which officially ended Monday, reactions have been mixed.

Some cantons, like Geneva, have already expressed support for the proposal.

The Canton of Vaud did not explicitly support relaxing Sunday opening restrictions, but rather has said it would support the measure so long as it allows cantons to make their own decisions.

The city of Lausanne and the Canton of Neuchâtel have both come out against the proposal.

"Such a proposal does not improve the purchasing power of local citizens and consumers," stated the Neuchâtel State Council. "Furthermore, the State Council believes that this proposal does not contribute to improving working conditions and health. Maintaining a common day off helps preserve social and family ties in many situations."

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The Swiss Tourism Federation and the Federation of French-speaking Swiss Businesses have both spoken in favour of the proposal, saying it would attract more visitors and make Swiss brick-and-mortar businesses more competitive.

The next step for the Federal Council will be to present a final draft taking these opinions into account, which will then be submitted to Parliament for debate and a decision.