Swiss Senate Rejects Proposal to Expand Sunday Shop Openings

Switzerland will continue to restrict Sunday shopping after the Senate voted against a proposal that aimed to increase the number of permitted Sunday openings for stores.

On Tuesday, lawmakers rejected the draft plan by a narrow margin of 22 votes to 21, with one abstention. The proposal would have allowed shops to open on up to 12 Sundays per year, compared to the current limit of four Sundays annually.

A cross-party “Sunday alliance,” including members from the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party, the Centre Party, and the Swiss People’s Party, successfully opposed the initiative. As a result, the current rules remain unchanged.

Under existing Swiss regulations, retail opening hours from Monday to Saturday are primarily governed at the cantonal level. However, Sunday trading is strictly regulated under federal law, particularly the Labour Act, which limits exceptions nationwide.

Municipalities and cantons are currently allowed to authorize a maximum of four Sunday openings per year without special permits. This framework will remain in force following the Senate’s decision.

The proposal will now move to the House of Representatives for further debate, where lawmakers may revisit the issue of retail flexibility and economic competitiveness.

Supporters of extended Sunday openings argue that increased flexibility could boost retail activity and improve urban attractiveness. Critics, however, warn that expanding Sunday trading could negatively impact workers’ rights and traditional rest periods.

The decision reflects Switzerland’s ongoing balance between economic liberalization and strong labor protections, a debate that continues to divide political parties and cantons.