The decision, adopted at the government session on Thursday as part of amendments to a decree that limits the sale of goods and services to consumers, comes just a week after legislation that would permanently close shops on Sunday stalled in parliament.

The legislation had been tabled by the Left and appeared to be slated for passage, but last-minute amendments made it impossible to pass the bill outright so it had to be sent into third reading.

The government had initially indicated it might end Sunday shopping for good, but then appears to have changed course.

The Sunday shopping ban has been wholeheartedly endorsed by trade unions, but retailers warned it could lead to massive layoffs and permanent shop closures.