Adrian Funke expressed support for the retail industry’s demands for a comprehensive allowance of Sunday openings. He shared his thoughts with the Funke Mediengruppe, highlighting: "We live in a time where anyone can shop online around the clock. Yet, traditional retail remains governed by stringent rules."

A Relic of the Past

Adrian criticised the lack of reliable legal frameworks and the associated high litigation risks regarding the few exceptions for Sunday shopping. "The shop closing law is, in my view, a relic of the past. Retailers should be left to decide whether they want to open their stores on Sundays or not."

In December 2009, the German Federal Constitutional Court significantly bolstered Sunday and public holiday protections. The ruling was based on the Weimar Constitution’s "spiritual uplift" consideration for Sundays, recalled Adrian. "Now – this no longer seems contemporary. Therefore, addressing this matter with a constitutional amendment would make legal sense."

Nobody Must Open Every Sunday

Adrian advocated for granting more freedom and self-responsibility to the people and retailers. Ultimately, nobody is required to open every Sunday. "A business can even decide to open only every second Sunday or not at all—that’s entirely up to them. Other countries demonstrate this system works."

Social cohabitation is vital, Adrian remarked, posing the question: "Why shouldn’t families also go shopping together on a Sunday, if they wish to?"