Espírito Santo to decide on Sunday supermarket closures

Stakeholders in Espírito Santo are set to meet this week to determine whether supermarkets and similar food retailers will continue to be prohibited from operating on Sundays. The current restriction, which has been in effect since March 1, is part of an experimental agreement between the Federation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism of Espírito Santo (Fecomércio-ES) and the State Union of Commerce Employees (Sindicomerciários).

The measure currently affects over 1,500 establishments, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, wholesale stores, grocery stores, and construction material retailers. While the rule aims to guarantee a day off for workers, exceptions exist for family-run businesses without registered employees, shopping malls, butcher shops, and bakeries. The agreement also allows for operation on most holidays, excluding New Year's Day, Christmas, and Labor Day.

A definitive decision regarding the rules for November is expected following this week's discussions, as previous meetings failed to reach a resolution.