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Late Night Shopping & Sunday Opening in Cannes
MPs have back changes that would allow more freedom to trade in the evening & at weekends
The relaxing of a century old law that prevents shops from trading on a Sunday will affect many of the tourist areas across France, but in particular the city of Paris and the seaside resorts of Nice, Cannes and Deauville.
It is a controversial move especially in a catholic country where Sunday afternoons are considered to be sacred family time when commerce largely shuts down. Job generation is part of the reason given for the change in law which will see shops in tourist areas of Paris and other French cities being allowed to open every Sunday and until midnight on weekdays. The new law will mean the creation of specific 'international tourist zones' where these rules will apply.
In addition elsewhere in France will be allowed to open on 12 Sundays a year instead of the current limit of five. Although shop owners can chose their own dates, it must also take into account the staff and decisions must be made in consultation with staff. They cannot be forced to work Sundays and must be paid extra. The same goes for staff who work late nights in the designated 'international tourist zones' - members of staff who work between 21:00 and midnight must be paid double their normal wage.
There are many who are opposed to the change, saying that it will not create growth in employment. However, for tourists in the designated areas, this is certainly going help with those holiday purchases!
