Norway’s new government minister Trine Skei Grande of the Liberal Party has sent a proposal out for hearing that would further ease restrictions on stores keen to open on Sundays.
Current law only allows stores to open if they’re less than 100 square meters in size, located near transport hubs or in tourist areas, and sell kiosk or grocery items. Gardening stores selling plants and flowers are also allowed to remain open.
Now Grande wants any type of store up to 150 square meters in size to be able to do business on Sundays. She’s basing her proposal on the recommendations of a commission that’s studied the issue and consequences of stores opening on Sundays.
Organizations representing both employer organizations and labour unions have recommended against futher liberalization of store-opening hours in Norway, claiming current regulations should continue. Even though the proposal could create new jobs, employers fear higher costs while the unions fear their members would be pressured into working on Sundays. Supporters claim liberalization would give consumers more choices and flexibility, and create needed jobs, especially for young people, around the country.
newsinenglish.no staff
