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Poland expands Sunday trading ban

02.01.2020 15:28
Poland’s Sunday trading ban will be near-total beginning this year.
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As of January 1, most retail outlets can only be open on a handful of selected Sundays, under regulations that took effect in 2018.

“Most of all we want Polish families to enjoy time together on Sundays,” said Family, Labour and Social Policy Minister Marlena Maląg.

She added: “I don’t think that Sunday shopping is anything that matters, so we are going to carry on with our policy.”

Marlena Maląg, Poland's minister for family, labour and social policy. Marlena Maląg, Poland's minister for family, labour and social policy.

Large Polish retailers were last year reporting a surge in profits despite restrictions on Sunday shopping, according to a financial news website.

Trading in Poland was in 2018 banned on two Sundays each month. The ban was stepped up to three Sundays a month last year, while in 2020 trading will be prohibited on all Sundays except seven, including those in the run-up to Christmas and Easter.

There are, however, a number of exceptions.

Retailers can do business on Sundays as long as they serve customers themselves.

The ban does not apply to outlets such as online stores, fuel stations, airports, bakeries, pharmacies and flower shops.