Shops in Bavaria are edging towards closure
Bavaria's Anticipated Amendments to Shopping Hours
MUNICH—After months of deliberation, Bavaria's cabinet has endorsed a bill set to modify the region's stringent shop closing regulations, with the state parliament poised to consider the legislation. If passed, these adjustments could take effect this year.
Persisting Shop Closing HoursThe core structure of the reform—namely Bavaria's adherence to its strict shop opening hours, extending up to 8:00 PM—remains unchanged. The coalition of CSU and Free Voters has held firm on this matter.
Relaxed Restrictions and New FlexibilityWhile the traditional 8:00 PM closing time stays intact, a few concessions have been made. Municipalities will now be authorized to offer eight extended shopping hours annually, without any requirement for a special occasion. Furthermore, retailers can operate past 8:00 PM on four additional weekdays per year. Digital mini-supermarkets, without staff and under 150 square meters, will have the liberty to operate continuously, including on Sundays, although local governments can dictate specific hours. There is also new flexibility regarding the assortment of goods available for shops in tourist areas on Sundays.
Balanced Consultation and SupportMore than 40 associations and institutions collaborated in the consultation process, according to the State Chancellery, which stated that the bill offers a balancing act between various interests. Generally, the associations supported the bill, yet there were differing viewpoints, especially regarding Sunday and holiday regulations.
Digital Mini-Supermarkets and Sunday TradingThe Catholic Church voiced concern over the possibility of round-the-clock operation for digital mini-supermarkets, even on Sundays. However, the coalition upheld its initial plans. With municipalities able to regulate Sunday hours, at least eight continuous hours must be maintained for these mini-markets.
Durability of 8:00 PM Closing TimeThe 8:00 PM shop closing time in Bavaria has remained unaltered for almost two decades. A proposal to extend these hours in 2006 failed due to a tie vote within the CSU faction. Since then, the CSU has been hesitant to revisit the issue.
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In the revised shopping hours bill for Bavaria, municipalities are permitted to offer extended shopping hours for a total of twelve days annually, eight on regular days and four after 8:00 PM on weekdays. Additionally, digital home-and-garden mini-supermarkets can now operate continuously, including on Sundays, subject to local government regulation and maintaining at least eight continuous hours of operation on Sundays.
