OSLO: Norway’s strict Sunday trading rules could get an overhaul, after supermarket bosses met with the government here the other day.
The bosses of Norway’s largest supermarket chains were summoned to meet Culture Minister Linda Hofstad Helleland over accusations that they are flouting the laws on Sunday opening.
Many large supermarkets open on Sundays, despite a law that says stores larger than 100 square metres have to stay closed. Some supermarket chains are trying to get round the laws by cordoning off parts of their stores.
The supermarkets want the government to provide clearer rules about what Norwegian law allows.
Hofstad Helleland said after the meeting that she would review the laws:
“It’s important for the government that the sector can compete on a level playing field. I hear the demands for a new inquiry into future legislation on the issue,” she said in a statement.
Mette Fossum Beyer, spokeswoman for supermarket Rema 1000, which has been one of those pushing the issue of Sunday trading, said she was “very happy that the culture minister has signalled that she wants to review the law.”
