Debate about store opening hours on public holidays in the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, a discussion about the opening hours of stores on public holidays has flared up shortly before Easter. The newspaper "Pravo" reported on Wednesday that the current regulations are causing confusion for many people. "It's not just me, but also many others who have to check whether shops are open or not before every public holiday," said Vera Kovarova, deputy speaker of parliament. "I don't have a clue," admitted Marek Benda, leader of the ruling ODS party.

At present, stores with a sales area of more than 200 square meters must be closed on Easter Monday and on 1 January, 8 May, 28 September, 28 October and both Christmas holidays. However, store doors may remain open on other public holidays such as Good Friday. This also applies on May 1st, Labor Day, or December 17th, which commemorates the democratic change in 1989 as a day of struggle for freedom and democracy.

A new legislative initiative by a group of parliamentarians to completely abolish the ban on sales on public holidays has little chance of gaining a majority. His Christian Democratic party KDU-CSL will never raise its hand for this, emphasized Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny. Olga Richterova from the Czech Pirate Party, which also sits in the government, also expressed her disapproval. "In the West, it is common practice for employees to spend certain holidays with their loved ones and relax," she said.