Swiss National Council supports increased Sunday sales

The Swiss National Council has voted to support a proposal that would allow cantons to authorize up to twelve Sunday sales per year. This decision, passed with a 97 to 95 vote, marks a disagreement with the Council of States, which previously voted against increasing the flexibility of retail opening hours.

Proponents of the measure, including the Economic Affairs Committee, argue there is a societal need for Sunday shopping and that moderate deregulation could help retail sectors and improve the attractiveness of city centers. The proposal would allow cantons to decide democratically whether to utilize these additional sales based on regional requirements. The initiative originated from a proposal by the Canton of Zurich.