Italians aim to stop Sunday shopping

• Tweet

ROME, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Italian organizers said they are fighting the recent lift of government restrictions that prohibited businesses from being open Sundays and holidays.

The Christian Science Monitor said the deregulation was put into effect in January, allowing businesses to be open on Sundays, and was meant to stimulate competition.

But many organizers argue working Sunday has forced them to sacrifice family time, and that the move will benefit big businesses, as they can more easily shoulder the extra costs of overtime.

The Christian Science Monitor said the campaign against deregulation began at the end of November. Organizers have drafted a bill that would give regions, rather than the national government, the power to regulate store hours.

But 50,000 signatures are required before organizers can bring the bill before Parliament.

The campaign is headed by Confesercenti, a leading retailers' business association, and has been backed by the Catholic Church.

The Christian Science Monitor said supporters of deregulation argue the move gives freedom to consumers and an opportunity for growth for businesses.