Self -service shops in sight: dispute over Sunday openings escalated!

Self -service shops in sight: dispute over Sunday openings escalated!

In recent years, the discussion about self -service shops has recorded. In Baden-Württemberg in particular, these shops ensure controversy because they are open on Sundays and public holidays. In the Ehingen region, there are both supporters and opponents of this new form of income, which is primarily regarded by the CDU as a solution for existing supply bottlenecks. The criticism is directed primarily against the unequal competitive situation on the traditional food retail trade, which remains closed on these days. In addition, unions and retailers fear that self -service stores undermine occupational safety by creating opening hours that are not in accordance with existing regulations. This is reported by the Schwäbische.de .

The concept of self -service shops allows customers to scan products via an app and pay themselves. This enables the company without personnel because the shelves are filled in by regional suppliers. The opening times are flexible and enable customers to access around the clock. Many customers appreciate the opportunity to shop on weekends and public holidays, which is a lucrative business model for the operators.

criticism and legal questions

Despite the popularity of these shops, critics see considerable disadvantages. Retailers argue that self -service shops damage traditional ward trading and a softening of the shop opening law. The CDU parliamentary group in the state parliament therefore calls for a legal basis for the continuous opening times of such shops and is clearly in favor of these innovations. At the same time, the current legal gray area is emphasized, since the legislation remains behind the developments in the food trade.

The legal situation recently became complicated by a judgment by the Hessian Administrative Court. According to this judgment, fully automated self-service shops that do without employees can fall under the ban on sales on Sundays and public holidays. This carries numerous legal questions that have to be checked and, if necessary, changed to ensure contemporary care. The coalition agreement between the CDU and the SPD in Hessen already sets the framework for corresponding changes to the Hessian shop opening law to enable the Sunday opening. These developments were highlighted by Sebastian Müller, a spokesman for the CDU parliamentary group, which also demands a general legal framework instead of individual cases. This can be found in a post on mdl-mueller.de

impulses for the future

The growing importance of self -service shops can also be felt in other regions. For example, the state committee of the food trade has created a guide for self -service shops and containers shop, which offers answers to central legal questions. It is pointed out that many operators are often not aware of the applicable laws, especially in relation to opening hours and youth protection regulations. Chairman Gerhard Holub explains the importance of a clear information situation in order to avoid misunderstandings. The guidelines include topics such as commercial law, investment law and food law and is available free of charge at wko.at