In 2015, the baker contested the restriction which prevented him from opening before 6am to compete with petrol stations. His challenge was initially accepted by an administrative court, after the constitutional court ruled that the opening time restriction did not comply with the principle of equality enshrined in the constitution. The government then appealed against the ruling.

According to a government statement published on Wednesday, on 8 February the administrative court ruled definitively against the government's appeal.

It means that the government must amend elements of the law relating to the closing times of small retail stores, known as “small-scale retail businesses employing only one person assisted by family members.”

At the request of Luxembourg’s artisans federation, secretary of state for the economy Francine Closener has created an exemption on opening times for small businesses like the baker, which covers butchers, caterers and ice cream makers, among others. It means they can open their shops any time between 4am and 9pm, any day of the year, with the exception of 25 December 2018.

The economy ministry, working with research institute Liser, is to conduct a review of opening hours and their social implications. The results  will be discussed with social partners to determine a way forward.