Changes to the trading ban before Christmas. The government is preparing a project

This is clear from the list of legislative and programmatic activities of the Council of Ministers. The adoption of the draft amendment to the law on the restriction of trade on Sundays, public holidays and certain other days is scheduled for the fourth quarter.

Christmas Eve trading ban

“Taking into account that in 2023 one of the two trading Sundays preceding Christmas Day falls on December 24, i.e. Christmas Eve, it is proposed to amend the provisions of the law on the restriction of trading on Sundays and public holidays and on certain other days, according to which Sunday, December 24, will be a day of prohibition of trade and activities related to trade and on which an employee or worker is entrusted with work in trade and activities related to trade,” said the list.

Extra trading Sunday on December 10

“At the same time, in order to meet the expectations of consumers and trade, it is proposed to establish a so-called shopping Sunday on December 10, 2023, which will allow the implementation of shopping plans – in this case, however, it is proposed to limit trade to 2 p.m. due to this proposal to lift the ban on this day, which changes the established legal order in connection with the establishment of the holiday calendar in 2023,” it was emphasized.

The proposed changes were justified by “the special time of Christmas Eve for preparations and family gatherings.”

There are seven trading Sundays in 2023. Based on the currently applicable regulations, the trading ban does not apply on the last Sundays of January, April, June and August, the Sunday before Easter and the two subsequent Sundays before Christmas (plus trading up to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve).