Businesses Mandated Shutdown - Operations to End at 8 PM - Shops Closure Legislation Enacted
In a recent development, the Bavarian state parliament has passed a new Retail Store Closing Law, setting a maximum closing time of 8 PM for retail stores. This law, while reaffirming some existing rules, also introduces new provisions that could potentially impact the retail landscape in Bavaria.
Under the new law, standard retail stores are generally open Monday to Saturday during daytime hours, often from 6 or 7 a.m. to 8 or 10 p.m. Sundays and public holidays remain mostly closed for retail stores, with exceptions for specific types of stores such as bakeries in the morning and shops in transport hubs like airports and train stations.
One notable change is the relaxation in the range of products that can be sold. Approximately 500 Bavarian municipalities listed as excursion, spa, or pilgrimage destinations can now sell a predefined range of products on 40 Sundays and public holidays. This includes touristically relevant product groups and food suitable for immediate consumption, as well as cut flowers, newspapers, magazines, religious items, swim- and sports gear, and souvenirs of low value.
Another significant change pertains to digital mini-supermarkets. These stores, which operate without staff, can remain open around the clock, including on Sundays. The exact opening hours on Sundays for digital mini-supermarkets will be determined by the respective municipalities, with a minimum opening time of eight hours.
The law also allows retailers to extend their opening hours beyond 8 PM on four weekdays per year. In addition, cities and municipalities can allow extended opening hours after 8 PM, up to midnight, on up to eight weekdays per year. However, these extended hours do not apply to Sundays and public holidays.
It is important to note that the new law does not allow for any new relaxations in the area of sales on Sundays and public holidays. Sales are still only allowed for specific events such as markets, fairs, or similar events on up to four Sundays and public holidays per year.
For accurate and up-to-date information, consulting the official Bavarian government or commerce websites, or legal texts published by Bavarian authorities, would be necessary. This article serves as a general overview of the changes and continuities in the Retail Store Closing Law in Bavaria. For specific details, it is advisable to refer to the official sources.
The new Community policy in Bavaria allows retailers to offer vocational training to their employees, potentially reshaping the retail landscape by fostering skilled workforce in the industry. With the relaxation of Sunday trading rules, digital mini-supermarkets can now stay open 24/7 for finance-savvy consumers, possibly revolutionizing the retail and business sectors.
