Laurynas Vilimas EN

Lithuanian retailers say they are open to the government's intention to more closely check retail chains' contracts with suppliers.

Retailers and trade unions tentatively agree to large retail chains being closed on two days a year, on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, but there are no discussions about not working on other Sundays, Social Security and Labor Minister Linas Kukuraitis said on Monday.

As politicians, retailers and producers in Lithuania discuss how to bring down rising food prices, opposition lawmakers propose that the government should lower the value-added tax (VAT) on food and retailers, for their part, should pledge not raise prices.

After Lithuania's parliament tightened alcohol trade, consumption and advertisement rules on Thursday, manufacturers have warned about emigration of the population amid disappointment in the administration's moves, adding that producers would have to halt investments and sack employees.

After the Lithuanian parliament reversed the alcohol sales scheme on Tuesday, the head of the Association of Trade Enterprises said that the new scheme would facilitate purchase of alcoholic beverages by young people.