On Wednesday, October 28, most large supermarkets, hypermarkets and other commercial establishments will be closed in the Czech Republic. The restrictions will be in effect all day due to a national holiday – the Day of the Establishment of an Independent Czechoslovakia.

This was reminded by the Czech Trade Inspection (ČOI). Local publications PrahaIN and TN.cz also explained the specifics of store operations.

Under Czech law, trade is prohibited on October 28 in stores with a retail area of more than 200 square meters. The restrictions apply not only to grocery supermarkets but also to large stores selling clothing, electronics, furniture, and building materials.

In particular, most stores of the Lidl, Kaufland, Albert, Tesco, Billa, Penny Market and Globus chains will be closed on the holiday.

At the same time, some outlets of these chains will be able to operate if they fall under the exceptions provided by law.

Which stores will be open on October 28

The ban does not apply to small stores with a retail area of up to 200 square meters inclusive. They may independently determine their working hours on holidays.

The law also allows the operation of:

  • pharmacies;
  • gas stations and convenience stores attached to them;
  • retail outlets at airports;
  • stores at railway stations and bus terminals;
  • stores in medical facilities.

For example, the Billa chain reported that most of its supermarkets will be closed on October 28. At the same time, some stores at the main train stations in Prague and Brno, at Prague Airport and at gas stations will remain open.

Shopping centers will not necessarily be completely closed. They may house small stores and establishments that do not fall under the legislative restrictions.

Online stores and grocery delivery services will be able to continue operating. In particular, Czech online supermarkets Rohlík and Košík plan to deliver orders on the holiday. The pickup of goods previously purchased online is also not considered a violation of the ban, but the actual working hours of pickup points should be checked separately.

Customers are advised to check the opening hours of specific stores in advance, as even retail outlets that are allowed to operate may reduce their hours or decide not to open.

What fines are provided for stores

The restrictions are established by Act No. 223/2016 on retail and wholesale hours, which has been in force since October 2016.

Compliance is monitored by the Czech Trade Inspection. For violating the ban, a store faces a fine of up to 1 million Czech crowns, and in case of repeated violation – up to 5 million crowns.

On October 28, the Czech Republic commemorates the anniversary of the proclamation of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918. Official ceremonies and the state awards ceremony take place on this day.

The next national holiday in the Czech Republic falls on November 17, but large stores will then be able to operate as usual. Further mandatory trade restrictions are scheduled for the Christmas holidays: December 24 after 12:00, as well as December 25 and 26.

Source: Czech Trade Inspection, PrahaIN, TN.cz