The most benefited from the ban on the operation of shops on Sundays are the owners of shops at gas stations, who in the past two weeks since the new law on trade came into force have expanded their range of products, so that on their shelves you can now find edible oil, milk, salt, sugar, ...
The operation of shops is prohibited on Sundays from October 20, according to the provisions of the new trade law with a few exceptions such as shops at petrol stations, inside bus and train stations and airports, kiosks, pharmacies,... Prices in these privileged shops are significantly higher than in markets that are not allowed to work on Sundays.
The Trade Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, on whose initiative the provisions on the prohibition of working on Sundays were adopted, will hold a session on November 8, where the application of the new law will also be discussed.
"We received information that gas stations have expanded their range to such an extent that they offer food from all product groups. Bearing in mind that we, whose main activity is trade, do not work on Sundays according to the Law, we consider this to be an obvious misuse of the non-working Sunday. A meeting of the trade committee is scheduled for November XNUMXth, where we will point out non-compliance with the law. In agreement with the Chamber of Commerce, we will invite the Minister of Economy. We expect the authorities to react because the law must be equally valid for everyone", the "Voli" company, which was one of the proponents of the introduction of non-working Sundays for all shops, told "Vijesta".
The Association of Oil Companies of Montenegro (UNK) announced to "Vijesti" that gas stations with their facilities, however, cannot significantly threaten traffic in supermarkets because the level of their trade is much lower and they note that at gas stations "there are no baskets or trolleys for groceries, which indicates that it is a one-time trade of basic items".
When asked whether the amendment to the Law is really fair to all traders, because the non-working Sunday was used by the owners of gas stations whose stores, with the increase in traffic on Sundays, sell products at significantly higher prices, from the cabinet of the Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulić, the answer was that in Montenegro The principle of free formation of prices applies to Gori and that it is up to the citizens when and where to trade.
Goods for which the facility meets the prescribed conditions can be sold in stores and shops inside gas stations.
When it comes to the sale of food, as explained by the Ministry, in accordance with the Food Safety Act, the Food Safety Administration registers establishments for retail sale.
"Objects registered in this way can also be gas stations, if they own objects in which they put food on the market and if they have a decision on registration in the register of food objects of the Administration. A large number of gas stations, which also have facilities for the sale of food at retail, are registered in the register of the Food Safety Authority", added the Ministry. The Association of Oil Companies of Montenegro (UNK) admits "a significant increase in sales on Sundays for certain items", which, as they explain, "says that citizens and tourists, while filling fuel, have recognized the opportunity to be able to buy some basic items on Sundays, for the time until supermarkets do”.
"The increase in sales varies and depends on the location of the gas station itself, so traffic is higher in populated areas. In addition to car cosmetics, oils and lubricants, most often in gas station shops, cigarettes, drinks, juices, confectionery and other packaged food products are sold, which are more or less standard and approximately the same assortment represented at all gas stations throughout Montenegro", UNK stated.
From the Association, they add that "this increase during just one day is not so significant financially, because sales in gas station stores primarily aim to provide additional services to customers of oil and oil derivatives, and the margins and prices at gas stations are higher than those in standard supermarkets. so customers trade only basic items, mostly to take away and use while driving”.
To the question of "Vijesti", whether it is true that the owners of gas stations have expanded the range of their products, the UNK answered "that it is an individual decision of each individual gas station to sell goods in the facilities and that the decisions are sometimes of a seasonal nature".
"Certain gas stations sell pellets for heating during the winter period, beach furniture during the summer season, car chargers, souvenirs, etc. It's all a matter of management's decision. Even outside of Montenegro, especially in the EU, it is evident that you can buy various goods at gas stations. In terms of sales capacity and assortment, gas stations cannot significantly threaten supermarket traffic. There is no need for the public to favor gas stations to this extent over supermarkets if they are open on Sundays. In our opinion, this is not against the law, it can only be an advantage for citizens or tourists, who expect to buy certain items at gas stations to take away, drink or eat in their cars. Those who want to buy groceries for the home will probably continue to do so in supermarkets or wherever they think is best for them," UNK concluded.
Food can be sold at pumps only with approval
The Ministry of Economy notes that every trader who sells food products is obliged to comply with the Law on Food Safety, to have equipment for its preservation and to respect the principles of good hygienic practice.
When asked whether food products can be sold at gas stations, the UNK answered that "every gas station that has properly registered trade and received a decision from the Food Safety Authority can sell food, factory-packaged products."
"We have no information that it has been defined which products can and cannot be sold on Sundays, so we asked the Market Inspection for an answer to the same question. Owners of gas stations have the same interest, which is to generate profit exclusively in accordance with the Law, which they are doing now. Certain gas stations that have cafeterias or restaurants within their facilities can also sell and serve customers, and sell pastries in accordance with the permits from the authorities", UNK stated.
The Directorate for Inspection Affairs told "Vijesti" that their market inspection continuously controls shops inside gas stations.
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