Sunday shock for Rothemann's near purchase: unopened doors after 20 years!

Sunday shock for Rothemann's near purchase: unopened doors after 20 years!

In Rothemann in Hesse, a decision by the district of Fulda ensures excitement among the residents: the operator of the Nahkauf market, Stefan Reith, has to close his shop on Sundays. This was told by a letter from the district, in which clear legal requirements are addressed. The background: Reith has violated the Hessian shop opening law, which limits the sale on Sundays. For over two decades, Reith was able to open the doors of his business for Sunday purchases, which has now found an abrupt end.

The nearby market, which extends near the B27 and comprises an area of around 300 square meters, has been in Reith's hands for almost 40 years. He said very disappointed: "The doors have to remain closed." The decision not only questions its business, but could also endanger the existence of the company, since Reith specifies, to be dependent on the additional sales times in order to survive economically.

background of the closure

The problems for Reith began with a check in August, which was carried out by the district's commercial audit service. In this inspection it was found that not only baked goods, but also other foods were sold, which violates the law. Reith, who sees himself as one of the last "Mohicans" in the local catering market, used the opening seven days a week in order to be able to compete. "Without these niches, it would hardly have been possible to keep our shop alive over the years," he said.

The closure Sundays on Sundays represents a considerable financial risk. He reports that sales on these days were crucial for the economic stability of the store. Many customers attracted the baked goods, which were traditionally sold on Sundays. "It didn't bother anyone. And now suddenly everything should be over with the threat of punishment?" Asks Reith resigned.

regional interest in Mircoservice

In the municipality of Rothemann, the closure announcement ensures concern. The mayor Oskar Kanne (CDU) made it clear: "It would be very important for the village that the doors can open again on Sundays. At least we would be happy if the baked goods were available again." Nevertheless, he admits that this is hardly conceivable in view of the existing laws. "Of course, such a solution must be compatible with the applicable law," according to Kanne.

Reith itself currently sees no way to continue his sales activity on Sundays. The official letter makes it clear that even the sale of baked goods is not permitted if the grocery store is not operated in accordance with the legal requirements. An opening would only be possible if a significant part of the sales area were reserved for baked goods.

The development remains exciting how the situation for the local purchase in Rothemann will develop. A complete loss of Sunday opening times could massively threaten the economic basis of the company and make the local supplier a challenge that should not be underestimated.

This problem is not isolated; The Hessian state parliament recently passed a law that allows supermarkets with a maximum sales area of 120 square meters to open on Sundays and public holidays. Maybe such a regulation for smaller shops such as that of Reith could be a solution in the future, but this is currently still uncertain.

A comprehensive reporting on this topic and the developments related to the local purchase provides www.fuldaerzeitung.de .