Coalition in Brandenburg Considering Exemptions for Smart Shops - The Brandenburg coalition is willing to consider exemptions for smart shops
In the face of an economic crisis in Brandenburg, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) are advocating for the allowance of new business models, particularly in the retail sector. Jens Warnken, chairman of the state working group of the Brandenburg IHK, believes that such changes are economically necessary for crisis-shaken trade.
The IHK's call for innovation comes as the SPD/BSW coalition in Brandenburg maintains a conservative approach on retail opening hours on Sundays. The coalition allows the opening of small digital supermarkets only under existing exceptions but has rejected any expansion of Sunday opening hours for more digital supermarkets. This stance reflects their commitment to keeping the existing regulatory framework without broadening Sunday opening permissions for small digital supermarkets.
The SPD/BSW coalition's position is in contrast to the CDU's proposal to increase the limit to ten Sundays for store openings. However, the state parliament recently voted against this CDU proposal, maintaining the status quo. Meanwhile, SPD deputy faction leader Nadine Graßmel is open to exceptions regarding vending boxes, which can operate permanently without staff.
The IHK's stance on store opening laws is similar to that in Bavaria and Hesse. Labor Protection Minister Britta Müller plans to discuss the handling of fully automated sales points with municipalities in September. However, the IHK's position on digital supermarkets or vending boxes is not explicitly stated.
It is worth noting that the constitutional protection requires that there is basically peace at work on Sundays and holidays. The IHK's stance on store opening laws is not mentioned in relation to this requirement. The AfD faction leader, Hans-Christoph Berndt, has pointed out that the CDU carries the C for Christian in its name, possibly implying a moral or ethical stance on the issue.
In Brandenburg, six Sundays or holidays per year are allocated for store openings for special occasions. No further details were provided about the nature or specific locations of the vending boxes or these smart stores. The CDU economist Frank Bommert stated that the issue is about giving struggling retailers more opportunities.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the Brandenburg government will navigate the push for modern retail models while maintaining the peace at work on Sundays and holidays.
- The IHK's proposal for new business models in the retail sector, particularly in the context of vocational training, is aimed at responding economically to issues faced by crisis-shaken trade in Brandenburg.
- The SPD/BSW coalition's policy on Sunday retail opening hours allows small digital supermarkets to operate only under existing exceptions, while rejecting the expansion of Sunday opening hours, a stance that aligns with their commitment to maintaining the existing regulatory framework.
- In contrast, the CDU has proposed increasing the limit for Sunday store openings to ten days, an idea that was recently voted down in the state parliament. The SPD deputy faction leader, Nadine Graßmel, is open to exceptions regarding vending boxes.
- As discussions on modern retail models and store opening laws continue, the Brandenburg government faces the challenge of balancing the push for innovation with the constitutional requirement for peace at work on Sundays and holidays.
