Germany debates loosening Sunday shop bans as Chancellor pushes growth reforms

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration is advancing a modest amendment that would allow bakeries, pastry shops and public libraries to stay open up to eight hours on Sundays, instead of the current three. The move has ignited a debate that pits small retailers, exemplified by Berlin’s Ulf Rating of Big Brobot, who worry about staffing burdens, against proponents like Shannon of Prachtmädchen who cite potential revenue and youth employment.

Industry bodies such as the German Retail Federation argue that limited Sunday openings could help brick-and-mortar stores compete with e-commerce, while the CDU’s labour committee and the union Verdi stress the importance of preserving Sunday as a day of rest for families and communities. Regional differences already exist, with Berlin granting a few Sunday openings this year, while Bavaria remains highly restrictive. Polls from INSA and YouGov show public opinion slowly shifting, but a sizable portion still supports the traditional ban.