Italian Shopkeepers Say 'No, Grazie' To More Hours

Italy's new prime minister, technocrat Mario Monti, wants to stimulate growth by boosting productivity and competitiveness. A new law that went into effect Jan. 1 allows shops, cafes and restaurants to stay open 24/7 all year long, holidays included. This deregulation puts Italy ahead of many European countries, but many Italians are resisting.
Italian customs are hard to change.
This new law may be good for customers, but for us shopkeepers, it's too big a sacrifice.
Carlo Cicchitto who owns a mom-and-pop household goods shop, but has no intention to open on a holiday, says:
"We can't be slaves to the store. If we keep it open, utility costs would rise," he says in Italian. "This new law may be good for customers, but for us shopkeepers, it's too big a sacrifice."

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