Sunday afternoon supermarket ban lifted
25/7/2010

The Portuguese government revoked a long-standing ban on large supermarkets that prevented them from operating on Sundays after 1pm.

The new law allows large supermarkets – those with more than 2000 square meters – to be open for business everyday from 6am to midnight.

The Sunday ban was in place for over two decades, and it applied only to “hypermarkets”, as these shopping venues are known in Portugal.

Portuguese Economy Minister José Vieira da Silva stated that “it didn’t make sense anymore to keep a specific ban for hypermarkets”.

The new law still allows for local councils to issue business hours restrictions if they see fit to do so.

The move was praised by major hypermarket chains and by consumer advocacy group Deco.

Criticism arose, however, from small retailer groups and from the Catholic Church.

“Profit reasoning should not rule society”, priest Manuel Morujão, spokesman for the Portuguese Catholic bishops conference, said, adding that Sundays should be “days for worship” and for “strengthening family and friendship”. TPN/Lusa

Edition: online

Interactive Topics, send us your comments/opinion on this article. Name: Email Address: Location: UK USA Açores Alentejo Algarve Beiras Lisbon Porto Madeira Other.. Telephone: Your Opinion: Enter the following security number 2400: