In the situation we are in, we cannot rule out any solution – said Michał Dworczyk, head of the Prime Minister’s office in an interview with Wirtualna Polska, when asked about the possibility of restoring trade Sundays. We are analyzing these proposals – he said.
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The head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, Michał Dworczyk, was asked about the possibility of resuming trade on Sunday in order to ease traffic in stores in connection with the current epidemic situation in Poland.
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– Such postulates appear, such postulates were presented yesterday at the meeting with the prime minister by representatives of the PSL. We analyze these proposals. (…) In the situation we are in, we cannot rule out any solution, (…) each one is worth analyzing – said Dworczyk.
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In Poland, 6,526 new cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in the last 24 hours, 116 people died. In both cases, these are the highest numbers since the start of the pandemic.
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Earlier, a bill to lift the Sunday trading ban at least for the duration of the pandemic and 90 days after its end presented by the senators of the Civic Coalition. The project also provides for compensation for companies closed as a result of government decisions. At the same time, it was proposed to guarantee employees at least two free Sundays during four consecutive weeks.
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Industry appeals
The trade industry has previously called for regulations to restore trade on Sunday. “The ban on trading on Sunday in the current economic situation inhibits the possibility of making up for losses both after lockdown and resulting from the worsening epidemic” – the Polish Council of Shopping Centers recently emphasized in a press release.
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Moreover, PRCH indicated that “opening of shopping centers on Sundays would make it possible to reduce Saturday queues and to divide the traffic of customers visiting the shopping centers from the previous 6 days to 7 days, improving the safety and comfort of shopping in conditions of social distancing”.
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Ban on trading on Sundays
The act on restricting trade on Sundays has been in force since March 2018. In accordance with the current regulations, in 2020 the trade ban will not apply only on the next two Sundays before Christmas, i.e. on December 13 and 20.
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The act provides for a catalog of 32 exemptions. The prohibition does not apply, among others in pastry shops, ice cream parlors, liquid fuel stations, flower shops, newspapers stores, cafes.
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