Trade - Automated mini-markets will soon also be allowed to open on Sundays
With unusual unanimity, the Hessian Landtag has paved the way for the Sunday opening of mini supermarkets with vending machines and no employees. The law passed in Wiesbaden provides, in the context of Sunday protection, that such automated sales areas may not be larger than 120 square meters and may only offer goods for daily needs.
Labor Minister Heike Hofmann (SPD) stated: "This is a good day for Hessen and the citizens of our state." SPD deputy Matthias Koerner explained that the change in the Hessian Shopping Hours Act would come into force legally before the parliamentary summer break.
This development is particularly important for those concerned with strengthening the rural areas. Critics, however, speak of interventions in the protection of Sundays. The background of the debate is, among other things, a judgment of the Hessian Administrative Court, according to which the closure of the "Tegut Teo" sales outlets in Fulda, which were operated without personnel on Sundays, was lawful at the time.
- The new law, passed in Wiesbaden's Parliament, allows for the operation of mini supermarkets on Sundays, utilizing vending machines and falling under the SPD's Labor Minister Heike Hofmann's jurisdiction in Hesse.
- Effective before the parliamentary summer break, Hesse's Shopping Hours Act will now permit Sunday opening for automated sales areas, benefiting citizens and potentially boosting trade in rural areas.
- The SPD's support for Sunday opening of automatic machines in mini supermarkets, limited to 120 square meters and offering daily necessities, has caused consternation among critics who argue it infringes upon Sundays' protection.
- The change in legislation, following the Hessian Administrative Court's ruling that the 'Tegut Teo' sales outlets in Fulda, operated without personnel on Sundays, were lawful, may lead to a shift in Trade and consumer habits in the Hesse region on the first day of the week.
