Shopping hours

Shop opening times are generally rules according to which stores various reasons such as the protection of workers or the protection of Sundays and holidays at certain times in the vast majority of all European countries must be limited. There is a prohibition control (with exceptions) and not a commandment control, that is, the choice of store opening times is optional for the shops outside the cut-off times. Further details are in Germany special closing time and shop opening laws of the countries.

Shop opening time depends on the entrepreneurial decision on the opening of the sales office and the legal closing times. In determining the opening times, the dealer will align primarily on the consumer demand in the individual case.

In addition, arrangements for the closing times of shops in many European countries exist. They concern, for reasons of employee and immission in some countries to friday the night hours and in the vast majority of all European countries for reasons of Sundays and public holidays and the protection of workers, the respective Sundays and holidays. In recent years, closing times were lifted on working days in Europe in many countries, because of regulations considered protective regulations for workers after the implementation of the European Directive 2003/88/EC concerning certain aspects of the organization of working time in the national legal systems for no longer necessary been are. The existing legal provisions of the closing times give the trade a framework within which it can align itself when setting the opening times on the needs of consumers.

The actual opening times are according to the demand therefore usually much lower than the legally permissible store opening times. In large cities, tourist areas and generally in the grocery, the hardware store and trade in furniture stores outlets basically have the longest opening times. In connection with certain events and festivals, moreover, enjoy night openings on some days growing in popularity (for example, in Spain before Christmas, in Germany in connection with special occasions ).

Overview of store opening times around the world

The following countries overview represents the legal closing times in different countries and, where appropriate, references to examples of customary lower opening times. Several European countries, the shop opening times of selected countries from other continents are included in the overview. In some countries there is also special rules for the sale of alcoholic beverages during the night time (for example, Norway, Great Britain).

In Denmark may in principle be open to each first Sunday of the month and the Advent Sundays 10-17 Clock Stores by retail sales law. On the last Sunday of Advent before Christmas, an opening 10-20 clock is also allowed. It may also be opened at six other Sundays 10-17 clock, which would be two Sundays in July and August. There are no restrictions on Sundays and public holidays for small businesses up to a turnover of € 3.44 million. This also applies to sales outlets at railway stations. From the shop opening hours on Sundays and public holidays, there are also exceptions for the sale of certain goods such as vehicles, agricultural equipment, ships, sport aircraft, toiletries, flowers and plants, including accessories, pets, auction goods and bread, rolls and newspapers. In addition, outlets can be opened in public exhibition buildings in rest stops on highways, in passenger ships, at airports and at campsites on Sundays and public holidays.

Actual opening times: food supermarkets and shopping centers: Mon-Sat: 7am to 20/21 or 24 clock Outlets of retail: Mon-Fri: 9/ 10 to 18.30/19/20 clock; Sat: 9 to 14/18/18.30/19/20 clock

On Sundays and public holidays can shop opening laws of the countries for the sale of certain goods (for example, newspapers, baked goods, flowers and plants, agricultural products, milk and milk products) as well as outlets in special situations ( in railway stations, railway stations, airports, petrol stations and pharmacies in tourist areas ) specific opening times to.

General Sunday opening can usually be enabled on up to four Sundays of the local governments in Brandenburg up to six general Sunday opening and can be released in Berlin up to eight Sunday shopping. The general opening times are limited but mostly outside the hours of the main service to a maximum of five or six hours.

Basically:

Supermarkets:

Shopping centers:

Smaller outlets:

No legal restriction; However, you will not open because of alcohol sales ban 23-7 clock.

9 to 21 clock

9 to 23 clock

10 bis 18/19 clock

Supermarkets:

Shopping centers:

9 to 21 clock

10 to 23 clock

Region Cross may be open only on Sundays shops are open Sundays 12 to 21 clock. These are normally the Sundays of the months of May, June, July, August, November and December. For grocery stores with a sales area of up to 400 sqm, all Sundays are open for sale. Since 2010, all the shops allowed to open 12 to 18 clock on Sundays (except public holidays - see right).

A closing obligation for the religious holidays, May 1, Independence Day and on Mother and Father's Day. On December 24 and Mitsommernachtsfest the outlets must be closed from 13 clock. Special exceptions are possible in urgent public interest. The closing times are not considered in addition to pharmacies, on airfields, the sale of kiosks with a sales area of up to 100 m², the sale of machines, the market trading, the sale in hospitals, the sale of gasoline and spare parts in gas stations, car trade, the sale of flowers, plants, soil, garden accessories and garden furniture, the sale at auctions and exhibitions, the sale of art goods, the sale of craft items, the antiques trade and sales in shopping centers.

Larger shops and supermarkets have to open the right on days in some places.

England and Wales, points of sale to 280 m²: no legal restriction

England and Wales, points of sale, 280 sqm: 6 hours 10 to 18 clock, many stores open 10 to 16 11 to 17 clock or clock.

Scotland: opening times are regulated by the local authorities, and there are usually no restrictions. Larger supermarkets opened, therefore, often 7 × 24 hrs. / Week. In small cities and towns the shops are closed on Sundays often.

In Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leiden, the shops are open every Sunday in the city center as a rule. In The Hague, the Sunday opening at each Sunday for the city and the outlying areas shall, as for example in Almere, Delft and Roermond.

At the last three Sundays of Advent before 24 December outlets to open 14 to 20 clock. More Sunday shopping are possible in special public interest on special occasions.

For sale in kiosk products in kiosks with a sales area not exceeding 100 m², there is no restriction. Exceptions to the prohibition of the sale on Sundays and public holidays are made in addition for petrol stations to the sales area of 150 m², outlets at campsites, points of sale in tourist areas, restaurants, sales at auctions, art galleries, selling in temporary exhibitions and toy fairs, the sale of flowers, plants and garden items, the sale of typical local products, sales at airports and the sale of production facilities for tourism purposes.

On Sundays and public holidays keeping open outlets of any kind is not permitted. Exceptions: bakeries, gas stations, shops in airports and train stations, tourist regions

In most cantons, the bakeries are open until Sunday about 12 clock.

Germany

In Germany, responsibility for the regulation of shop opening hours was transferred to the countries. In eight countries, the closing times were released on the weekdays (Baden- Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Schleswig -Holstein). Saxony -Anhalt, North Rhine -Westphalia, Thuringia and Mecklenburg- Vorpommern know restrictions on Saturdays. Statutory shop opening hours on working days there are in the states of Bavaria and Saarland ( 20-6 clock ), Rhineland -Palatinate and Saxony ( 22-6 clock ). On Sundays and holidays the shops shall remain closed. In Saarland, the introduction of a service in the evening is planned on Thursday with opening times to 22 clock. General exceptions are possible on up to four Sunday shopping. The shares must be issued by the competent communities mostly. In Brandenburg releases are possible up to six open sale and in Berlin to up to ten shopping Sundays. Special rules for selling on Sundays and public holidays, there are still certain outlets ( pharmacies, gas stations and retail outlets in tourist areas, train stations and at airports ) and for the sale of certain goods ( flowers and plants, baked goods and pastries as well as agricultural products ). The repeal of the weekday closing times, however, is partly due to the associated potential sale of alcohol in the night hours on working days not without controversy.

History

The shops were opened in Germany in the 19th century, as a rule, seven days a week 5-23 clock. 1879, the first German department store was opened in Stralsund. With the department stores, the structure of the sales personnel changed quite considerably. Only twelve years later, ie in 1891, it was determined that may be sold only five hours on Sundays. Already on October 1, 1900 joined the German Empire a first closing law in force. Shops were allowed to open only 5-21 clock - this was, however, only for working days, with the further generous allocation of special permits for grocery stores, kiosks and bakeries, as well as a corresponding transfer of Sunday rest on Saturdays for Jewish businesses. In the form of voluntary agreements until 1911, the merchants had agreed in numerous towns and cities on an evening closing time of 20 clock. New legislation introduced in 1919 a Sunday rest and limited opening hour on weekdays 7-19 clock. Also during the National Socialist regime, closing times were further regulated and introduced the implemented until 1996 18:30 control.

On 28 November 1956, the "Law on the closing " was adopted in the Federal Republic of Germany, which was from 1957. Shops were now allowed to be open Monday to Friday from 7 to 18.30 clock and on Saturdays to 14 clock; were excluded facilities such as gas stations, kiosks, train station shops, pharmacies and restaurants. The constitutional complaint against this law was rejected in 1961 by the Federal Constitutional Court.

As of July 17, 1957 you could also buy on the first Saturday in the month to 18 clock. This day was called " long Saturday ".

In 1960 the opening of the four Saturdays to 18 clock was allowed. After that, the Shop Hours Act was almost 30 years does not change until the " long Thursday" was introduced as a 'service evening " in October 1989, were allowed to be opened at the shops to 20.30 clock.

On 1 November 1996, the store opening times were relaxed again; weekdays was allowed 6-20 clock, are open on Saturdays to 16 clock. The " long Thursday" was omitted.

Finally, the German Bundestag decided to extend the opening times on Saturday for four hours to 20 clock on 13 March 2003. The new regulations came into force on 1 June 2003. Since were in Germany at the following times opening prohibitions on transactions:

• On Sundays and public holidays,
• Monday to Saturday from 20 to 6 clock and clock,
• On December 24, if that day falls on a working day, up to 6 clock and from 14 clock.

In deviation from this sale for bakery goods were allowed to begin the opening hour on weekdays at 5.30 clock move forward (see also night baking ban). Special rules also were for shops in railway stations, airports and in certain holiday destinations. On the occasion of markets, fairs and similar events four sale open Sundays and public holidays per year were possible. The sale time must not exceed five hours had to be completed by 18 clock and outside the times of the main services.

On 30 June 2006, the Bundestag approved the federalism reform and thus the transfer of legislative competence in matters of closing to the states. On 7 July 2006, the Federal Council agreed. Thus, the closing time was national matter and each country could adjust the closing hours to the needs of the population in each region by its own rules. Here, the countries could also take into account the European experience of deregulation. The loosened closing times were a response to changing social trends such as increased labor market participation of women, changing family structures and increasingly flexible working hours. In addition to increasing the welfare of the consumers positive impact on sales and employment were expected. The Sundays and public holidays, enjoys in many laws a high priority. The employee protection has since been governed by special labor protection laws by state laws as well as in the Working Hours Act.

First State of Berlin has adopted a law on 9 November 2006, followed by North Rhine -Westphalia and Rhineland -Palatinate on 16 November 2006 in Saxony -Anhalt on 22 November 2006, Hesse on 23 November 2006, Thuringia on 24 November 2006, Brandenburg on 27 November 2006, Schleswig -Holstein on 1 December 2006, Hamburg on 1 January 2007, Bremen on 6 February 2007, Baden- Württemberg on 14 February 2007, Lower Saxony and Saxony on 6 March 2007 on 16 March 2007.

Acceptance of extended shopping hours

While the retail sector both in the inner cities and in the rural areas of extended store opening times so far only sporadically and mostly in shopping malls offer, take advantage of many supermarkets and other shopping market chains the ability to extended store opening times. Late opening times come, for example, in regions with a high proportion of workers with flexible working hours and commuters to the needs of the consumers benefit. When shopping in the grocery trade and in shopping centers are thus observed significantly less time constraints than before. In this respect, the development also ties in Germany on the experience of liberalization in other European countries in recent years (eg the United Kingdom and Norway). While the number of shops are open Sundays has remained almost unchanged, enjoying for retail in the inner cities night opening times (sometimes as Moonlight shopping advertised ) in conjunction with a special event growing in popularity.

Overall, the extended store opening times allow to determine the companies themselves, when they open according to market conditions. Only rarely permitted opening times will actually be fully exploited.

Regulations in the Länder

Survey

Baden-Wurttemberg

6 × 24 control, ie unlimited opening hours on weekdays; three sale open Sundays or public holidays per year; except for the Sundays of Advent, Easter and Whit Sunday and the Christmas holidays. The shop opening act was passed by the Baden-Württemberg state parliament on 14 February 2007 and entered into force on March 6, 2007. The law was originally already January 1, 2007 come into force, but was due to the legislative process do not keep this appointment. It was in the run-up to a fierce debate about the number of shops are open Sundays per year. The number should be reduced at the request of the CDU from four to two. In contrast, the FDP, which would at least retain the existing rules for the Sundays balked. The CDU / FDP coalition finally agreed on three Sunday shopping year. This rule applies since 1 January 2008, 2007 was a transitional regime with four Sunday shopping.

In Baden- Württemberg has been made on the basis of prohibiting the sale of alcohol 0-7 clock on motorways a statutory provision for a night ban on sales of alcohol 22-5 clock.

Control Mother 2008

Since the Mother's Day 2008 coincided with Pentecost Sunday, a general opening of flower shops were not allowed. However, several communities based on § 11 of the Baden-Württemberg shop opening Act, which allowed the communities a derogation. As the first communities in the country Bretten and Waiblingen wanted to make use of this scheme. Other communities were planning to join the scheme. However, all exemption has been tipped by a court decision, so on Mother's Day 2008 definitely has been no sale of flowers. The next Mother's Day, which falls on a Pentecost Sunday is May 13, 2035.

Bavaria

The uniform federal regulations of 13 March 2003 shall continue to apply.

Still under the CSU single-party government under Edmund Stoiber occurred in a sample actually vote on the proposed 6 × 24 bill in the CSU to an equality of votes from supporters and opponents. Then the recent opening times have been retained. Once in the regional elections of 2008, however, the CSU lost its absolute majority and a coalition with the FDP received, this pushed for a change of opening times, but could not prevail in the subsequent negotiations. Thus, it remains provisionally in the existing scheme.

Berlin

The shop opening Act of 14 November 2006 contains a 6 × 24 control. From 2006 to 2009 could be open on Sundays during Advent 13-20 clock. In addition, four additional Sundays during this time, from the city determined (usually for special events such as fairs ) and two more were from each individual dealer for special occasions such as street festivals and anniversaries are elected. The Act entered into force on 15 November 2006.

Against the Berlin shop opening Act raised the Protestant and Catholic Church 11 November 2007 constitutional complaints to the Federal Constitutional Court. On 1 December 2009, the Court granted the constitutional complaints in part and declared the restrictions on shop opening on Sundays during Advent ( § 3 para 1 Alt. 2 of the Berlin shop opening act) unconstitutional.

To October 23, 2010 the Second Act came into force amending the Berlin shop opening act. This indicates that the Berlin Senate may set eight Sunday opening per year by general order. However, including a maximum of two Adventssontage. Two more Sundays traders may be on a particular occasion ( street party, anniversary, etc.) specify.

Brandenburg

The Brandenburg shop opening act contains a 6 × 24 control. The number of shops are open Sundays is six per year, which may take place during the period 13 to 20 clock, but not on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Memorial Day, Remembrance Sunday and holidays in December. The Act came into force on 1 December 2006.

Bremen

The Bremen Shop Hours Act contains a 6 × 24 control. A maximum of four Sunday shopping year; this may have opened up to five hours, but not on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Memorial Day, Remembrance Sunday and holidays in December. The Act entered into force on 1 April 2007.

Hamburg

The hamburgische Shop Hours Act contains a 6 × 24 control; the arrangements for Sunday Opening remain at four Sundays, but this may no longer be held at Advent Sundays, holidays or breastfeeding days. The new store opening act was passed on 13 December 2006 by the Citizenship and proclaimed as law of 22 December 2006 on 29 December 2006. It entered into force on 1 January 2007.

Hesse

6 × 24 control; the arrangements for Sundays and public holidays remain unchanged. The municipalities must annually set four Sundays on which the shops are allowed to open, taking into account the main service times up to six hours (not on Sundays of Advent, on Remembrance Sunday and Memorial Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, 1st and 2nd Christmas Day). The new regulation came into force on 1 December 2006, after it had been adopted by the Parliament on 23 November. The law ( HLöG ) In accordance with § 13 currently valid until 31 December 2016., The closing time on Maundy Thursday since 2010 by 20 clock.

Mecklenburg -Western Pomerania

5 × 24 scheme. Saturdays may be open to 22 clock. In addition, there are four Sunday shopping year.

The so-called baths legislation under which the Ministry of Economy MV in the season may permit the sale on Sundays in the 53 spas and resorts, enshrined in the law. On 13 June 2007, the law was passed by Parliament and entered into force on 2 July 2007. On 7 April 2010, the baths Regulation of Greifswald Higher Administrative Court was declared invalid. On August 1, 2010, a revised version of the baths regulation entered into force, after which the stores in 96 towns and districts ( the spa and resorts, tourist focus areas and the inner cities of Rostock, Schwerin, Greifswald and Neubrandenburg and the World Heritage cities of Wismar and Stralsund ) between the with the exception of holidays 13 to 18 clock open the last Sunday in March and end of October the stores. The opening times have been reduced by two hours compared to the previous scheme. Wismar and Stralsund are the other urban districts allowed up to twenty, up to ten Sunday shopping year.

Lower Saxony

The Lower Saxony shop opening law contains a 6 × 24 control; the arrangements for Sundays and public holidays remain unchanged. The so-called baths scheme expanded with exceptions for particularly important touristic places. The law was passed by Parliament on 6 March 2007 and entered into force on 1 April 2007.

North Rhine -Westphalia

The shop opening act contains a 5 × 24 control; Saturdays must be closed by 22 clock. Maximum 11 Sunday opening are possible per municipality, otherwise the arrangements for Sundays and public holidays are largely the previously applicable federal law. When it is open throughout the city, only a sale open Sunday of Advent is allowed. When opening each in different districts, the law allows a maximum of two sale open Sundays of Advent. No shops are open on Sundays or holidays are allowed on the 1st and 2nd Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, 1 May, Whit Sunday, Good Friday, October 3rd, All Saints Day, Memorial Day, Remembrance Sunday and on December 24, if it falls on a Sunday. The new law came into force on 18 May 2013. In relation to the sale open Sundays applies to the year 2013, the old law of 21 November 2006.

Rhineland -Palatinate

After loading opening act Rhineland-Palatinate outlets may be open Monday to Saturday 6-22 clock. At a maximum of four Sundays a year and municipality local government municipality can establish generally by regulation that outlets may be opened up to a period of five hours. The approved opening time must not be 6 to 11 clock. For Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Memorial Day, Remembrance Sunday, on Advent Sundays in December and on Sundays, on which falls a holiday, the opening must not be allowed. Furthermore, there can be up to eight on weekdays Shopping nights per year. The regulation came into force on 29 November 2006. Further details on the shop opening act in Rhineland -Palatinate are included in a country's regulation and in regulation of the Supervisory and Service Directorate to implement the law shop opening in Rhineland -Palatinate.

Saarland

The shop opening Act of 15 November 2006 provides only minor changes compared to the previous legal situation. The opening times remain with 6 to 20 clock from Monday to Saturday. At most one day of the year can be opened for a special reason to 24 clock. There are four Sunday shopping allowed, but not on New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Remembrance Sunday and Memorial Day. The shops are open Sundays in question are counted based sales points. If the first Advent in December, a Sunday opening is allowed on this date.

Saxony

The shop opening Act provides for opening times from Monday to Saturday 6-22 clock. In addition, four Sunday shopping opening times with 12-18 clock are possible; to five working days a year, the shops are allowed to open around the clock. The Act came into force on 1 April 2007.

Saxony-Anhalt

The opening hour law contains a 5 × 24 control; on Saturdays shall be open to 20 clock; the arrangements for Sundays and public holidays in accordance with the existing federal regulations. The Act entered into force on 30 November 2006.

Schleswig-Holstein

The Schleswig-Holstein opening hour law ( LÖffZG, entered into force on 1 December 2006 ) contains a 6 × 24 control from Monday to Saturday. The arrangements for Sundays and public holidays are largely the existing federal law with four shopping Sundays per year. A special feature is the possibility of an exemption from the ban on sales on Sundays and public holidays for health, recreation and tourism locations in the period from December 15 to October 31. Excluded are each Good Friday and Christmas Day. On May 1, the sale may only be allowed if the shop owner or the shop owners under exemption of all workers to perform the sale in person. Which communities are affected by the exemption and whether it is subject to conditions or granted limited, regulates the supreme state authority by regulations (known as bathrooms or bathrooms control regulation). The Verordung of 18 November 2008 is valid until November 27, 2013, granted for the sale of goods of daily consumption Ge and the full set by the law exemption period. On December 17, 2013 effective for a further five years a new bathrooms regulation in force. This will shorten the possible opening times on Sundays from 8 to 6 hours so far and the season is the period from 17.12. -8.1. and 15.3. -31.10. reduced. In most tourist destinations of the country, for example, in East Holstein, the bathrooms regulation has meant that many shops are open for the sale of goods of daily consumption Ge and the majority of the year on Sunday and also on many holidays restricted.

Thuringia

The opening hour law contains a 5 × 24 control; on Saturdays shall be open to 20 clock; the arrangements for Sundays and public holidays are largely the existing federal law. The regulation came into force on 24 November 2006.

Austria

The legal shop opening times in Austria are in the table above. The governors can under certain circumstances also prescribe that the outlets on working days except Saturday From 5 clock or may be kept open after 21 clock, and that outlets of bakeries and outlets for natural flowers, sweets, fruits and vegetables for more than 72 hours per calendar week or Saturday must be kept open after 18 clock.

The governors can set for sales activities on holidays and from saturday 18 clock until Monday 6 clock under certain conditions and, where appropriate, locally and seasonally, extended opening times.

For the December 24 and 31, which are considered public holiday from 12 clock, there are special rules, if they fall on a working day. On December 24, shops can open 6-14 clock. Confectionery and fresh flowers can be sold to 18 clock and Christmas trees to 20 clock. On December 31 shops can be open 6-17 clock. Food must not be sold to 18 clock, confectionery, fresh flowers and New Year's Eve article to 20 clock.

Other exceptions are eg for grocery stores in railway stations, duty free shops at airports, trade fairs and other events. In addition, the sale of goods from the vending machines, except in the context of hospitality businesses, at petrol stations, barracks and the market traffic from these statutory provisions.

Switzerland

Here on the one hand plays the Labour Law for the Protection of the sales staff a role. Within this framework, the cantons legislate the opening times independently.

The Association of Independent Sunday Switzerland of trade unions, church organizations, left, and Christian parties and occupational physicians are against an extension of the Sunday work. Employers, for example, the Swiss Retail Federation, sit down for a long store opening times especially on Saturday one, because of the competition in neighboring countries.

In the canton of Zurich shops may be open on days with no time restrictions and are limited only by the Labor Code of the Federation. This saw Switzerland's very liberal approach was adopted in a referendum on 24 September 2000 with 210 913 votes against 166 049 votes against the vote authorizing the Canton of Zurich. On June 18, 2012 a cantonal popular initiative of the Free Democratic Party an even greater opening hour in the voting urn with 29.32 percent votes were rejected. The initiative would have meant that families store their businesses opening times something free could be determined. Opponents of the initiative fearing a negative impact on the health, social cohesion and the environment. Proponents of the initiative now want the Swiss Labour Code amended so that the cantons, the rules in working time determine for themselves.

Finland

In Finland according to the law outlets on weekdays 7-21 clock, on Saturdays 7-18 clock and since 2010 on Sundays also be open 12 to 18 clock. Outlets under 400 m² allowed for the sale of goods of daily consumption of Ge and Sundays throughout the year; from 400 m² of retail space to be open only in the months of May to August and during the months of November and December. A closing obligation for the religious holidays, May 1, Independence Day and on Mother and Father's Day. On December 24 and Midsummer Night Festival, the outlets must be closed from 13 clock. Special exceptions are possible in urgent public interest. The shop opening hours are furthermore not apply to pharmacies, retail outlets at airports, the sale in kiosks with a sales area of up to 100 m², sales from vending machines, the market trading, the sale in hospitals, the sale of gasoline and spare parts in gas stations, car trade, the sale of flowers, plants, soil, garden accessories and garden furniture, the sale at auctions and exhibitions, the sale of art goods, the sale of craft items, the antiques trade and sales in shopping centers. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited during the night hours and special regulated by law.

Great Britain

In the UK there are basically on weekdays no time restrictions. There on Sundays, according to the Sunday Trading Act, for outlets with a sales area of ​​more than 280 m² a time restriction of six hours; smaller outlets may also determine their opening times on Sundays free.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the general opening times of 6 to 22 business days valid for clock. On Sundays and public holidays, shops are closed normally. Legal basis is the " Winkeltijdenwet " as amended in 1996. Exceptionally, by law, the Sunday opening allowed, this will take place at up to 12 Sundays a year as a rule. The control is carried out on the town, which allows a Sunday opening for the whole community or for partial areas ( the so-called " koopzondag "). Moreover, there is disclosed in the case, the communities the opportunity to areas of your community, in some communities and the entire municipality as a site of tourist interest ( " Toeristisch gebied "). Here is a Sunday opening is also more common than the 12 allowed by law Sundays possible. So the stores can be opened in the inner cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Leiden, every Sunday, in cities like Almere and Delft the opening on the entire municipality is allowed. The regulation of " Toeristisch gebied " is also used for shopping centers or collections of furniture stores ( " Meubelboulevard " ) applied to enable a targeted opening of shops in these areas.

Norway

In Norway, the closing times were abolished in principle on business days; on Sundays and public holidays, the outlets must be closed in accordance with the Sundays and Public Holidays Act, with the exception of the last three Sundays of Advent before Christmas, between 14 and 20 clock. More Sunday shopping are possible when there are special reasons for relevant approvals in the public interest by the competent authorities. Exceptions to the prohibition of the sale on Sundays and public holidays are made in addition for outlets that sell kiosk products and everyday Ge and consumption with a sales area not exceeding 100 m², for service stations to sales area not exceeding 150 m², for outlets at campsites, for outlets in tourist areas, for on-premises, selling at auctions, art galleries, temporary exhibitions and toy fairs, the sale of flowers, plants and garden items, the sale of typical local products, sales at airports and manufacturing facilities for tourism purposes. For the sale of alcohol, there is, however, after the alcohol law special rules. Especially food super markets, shopping malls and furniture stores use the new freedoms for weekday late openings in Norway.

Poland

In Poland there is no official closing times. Only on public holidays, the stores must remain closed (with a few exceptions, when the owner of the business is present shall be open on public holidays, but it may not otherwise employee work ); most small and medium-sized businesses but close to 21 clock. Branches of large international chains (especially Tesco ) have opened sporadically around the clock.

Portugal

Basically, there are only small temporal restrictions in Portugal; throughout the year may be purchased from early morning until midnight here.

Russian Federation

In Russia there is no statutory provision relating to the closing time. Especially in cities, many larger stores and supermarkets are open every week around the clock, seven days, in smaller towns only a few shops that are then usually marked with 24/7. The opening times are based otherwise according to the market situation, taking in not so long opened shops closing times are more common on weekends and holidays.

Sweden

Basically, there are only small temporal restrictions in Sweden; throughout the year may be purchased from early morning until midnight here. An exception to the shops for alcoholic drinks, they will be closed from Saturday afternoon to Monday morning.

Slovakia

While most of the shops open during the week and on Saturdays to 18 clock to 12 clock, there are also chains, which are also open on Sundays. However, there are in Slovakia efforts, especially by the Christian Democrats, that on Sunday the shops must remain closed.

Spain

In Spain, there are no restrictions on working days; each autonomous province has to allow at least 72 hours. On Sundays an opening of at least 8 days per year and at least 12 hours opening time per day for use is allowed.

Czechia

In the Czech Republic since 1989, there are no regulated shopping hours. A Shop Hours Act is separated from politicians of the Social Democrats and Communists demanded, but was so far always rejected by both the majority of MPs and of the population.

Canada

In Canada, there are also different regulations, which may be opened in the majority of provinces on Sundays, but sometimes only with special permits and during limited hours.

India

In India, every store must remain closed one day a week after the Weekly Holidays Act 1942, the owner can choose the first day free.

Israel

On Shabbat (from sundown on Friday until nightfall on the following Saturday evening ), most shops are closed. There are several chain stores that are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day; these are mainly found in cities and regions with a large secular population ( bspws. Tel Aviv).

United States

Nationwide, there is no regulation, most states have different rules. These have been created due to religious motives ( "blue hours" ). Except these days have some supermarkets, opened mainly in urban areas, almost around the clock.