Business associations divided over closing shops on Sunday

Business associations have divergent opinions when it comes to whether shops should stay closed on Sundays even after the coronavirus crisis. While the Slovak Trade Association (ZO) is in favour, members of the Slovak Modern Business Alliance (SAMO) don't all share the same opinion. The former noted that many EU-member states have been exercising legislation that restricts shopping on Sundays and public holidays. Exemptions concern small shops with fresh food or other services at airports, bus and railway stations, hospitals, petrol stations and in tourist zones. According to the trade association, the turnover of food shops on Sundays equals roughly 2-4 percent of their weekly turnover. The figure stands at 10 to 15 percent when it comes to shops selling other items than food. Meanwhile, members of the Slovak Modern Business Alliance have varying views on the matter, which is why each member will express their opinion individually. Economy Minister Richard Sulik (SaS) is against Sunday closures.