The Confederação do Comércio e Serviços de Portugal (CCP) announced on Wednesday its support for an “extensive debate” regarding the operating hours of commercial establishments, including potential Sunday closures. This follows the PCP’s announcement to propose the closure of general commerce on Sundays and holidays.
In a statement, the CCP welcomed the opportunity for discussion “around the regime of operating hours of commercial establishments, including the issue of Sunday closures of large shopping centers.”
“From our ongoing analyses, it’s possible to conclude that there is a significant difference between the legal framework and actual practice,” stated João Vieira Lopes, president of the CCP. He noted that the CCP has closely monitored the evolution of commercial operating hours in various European countries.
“For the CCP, this topic is not taboo. On the contrary, it should be deepened and discussed seriously, not in a simplistic or politically biased way, as it involves businesses of various commercial formats, workers, and consumers, without overlooking the evolution of e-commerce,” added João Vieira Lopes.
The CCP observed that “Portugal has one of the largest windows of commercial opening hours in Europe,” and therefore “considers that the diversity of solutions adopted in different countries justifies the comparison of practices and solutions, as well as the assessment of their respective results,” as stated in the same communiqué.
Therefore, the CCP considers it “indispensable and is open to fostering the creation of a Working Group to follow up on the topic,” gathering the various interests involved.
“The CCP does not reject the principle of introducing regulated restrictions, which should be found in a balanced manner, but considers an enlightened and participative debate on this matter indispensable,” said João Vieira Lopes.
The head of the CCP also mentioned that “we are facing a topic that, now returning to the media agenda, deserves to be properly addressed by those with effective knowledge of the matter.”
“It is essential to frame it considering the contributions of the most representative entities in the various affected sectors, to clarify and provide a clear framework for political decision-makers,” concluded Vieira Lopes.
It should be noted that the PCP will propose the closure of general commerce on Sundays and holidays and a reduction in operating hours until 10:00 PM on weekdays, with exceptions such as restaurants or cultural services.
In statements to journalists in the Assembly of the Republic, PCP deputy Alfredo Maia emphasized that the aim of the bill is to ensure the preservation of the “fundamental right” to rest for workers and their family engagement.
“We frequently visit and interact with workers, particularly in shopping centers, who often tell us: ‘I haven’t seen my child in a week’ or ‘I haven’t seen my husband awake in a week,’ because many times, these workers, work in shifts, sometimes night shifts,” he said.
To address this situation, the PCP proposes the closure of general commerce, “and specifically shopping centers,” on Sundays and holidays and closure at 10:00 PM on weekdays.
