On November 17th, all stores in the Czech Republic will remain open, marking an exception to the controversial law on store opening hours. The legislation, designed to allow shop employees to spend specific holidays with their families, has been met with criticism and confusion. Notably, the law does not apply to all holidays, including November 17th, raising questions about its consistency and impact.

The primary criticisms directed at the law are twofold. Firstly, it exclusively applies to stores with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters, creating an apparent disadvantage for larger establishments compared to their smaller counterparts. This discrepancy has sparked accusations of discrimination and negatively affected the annual revenue of larger stores. In 2017, business associations lodged a constitutional complaint, seeking the abolition of the law.

Secondly, the law, in effect since 2016, regulates holiday opening hours for stores, bazaars, pawnshops, and collection points but only on specific holidays. Seven holidays, along with Christmas Eve, are subject to the law, restricting the opening hours of stores larger than 200 square meters on these days.

November 17th holds significant historical importance in the Czech Republic, commemorating two pivotal events. In 1939, all Czech universities were forcibly closed, and in 1989, the Velvet Revolution began. On November 17th, 1989, a permitted demonstration took place, marking the 50th anniversary of the university closures. Post-rally, demonstrators expressed dissent with the communist regime, leading to a police crackdown on National Avenue. The ensuing events, known as the Velvet Revolution, ultimately led to the downfall of the communist regime.

While November 17th is a day of historical significance, it is not designated as a holiday under the store opening hours law. The decision to keep all stores open on this day has sparked debate and raised questions about the law’s consistency and its impact on businesses and employees. The exception on November 17th highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the legislation and its selective application to holidays.

Article by Prague Forum