Germany to Allow Expanded Sunday Hours for Bakeries and Libraries from 2027

The German coalition government announced that, starting 1 January 2027, bakeries, confectioneries and public libraries will be permitted to operate longer on Sundays. Bakeries may increase their Sunday service from three to up to eight hours, while libraries could open for six hours. The measure, championed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s cabinet, is intended to inject dynamism into the economy and adapt to changing consumer habits.

The change revives a long‑standing debate over the nation’s "Sonntagsruhe" (Sunday rest) protection, which historically limits Sunday work to essential services such as hospitals, public transport and hospitality. Trade unions, Christian churches and some business groups argue that broader liberalisation could erode worker wellbeing and cultural tradition, while many retailers claim the restrictions hinder competitiveness against 24‑hour online commerce. The reform is part of wider discussions about modernising Germany’s labour regulations amid energy‑price pressures and labour shortages.