On Monday, 28 October, shops with an area of more than 200 square metres, including large supermarkets, must remain closed. This is mandated by Czech law regarding retail sales hours. The date marks the founding day of independent Czechoslovakia, traditionally celebrated as a public holiday.
However, exceptions apply in areas still suffering from the effects of the September floods. In the Olomouc and Moravian-Silesian regions, affected communities are exempt from this closure. An official state of emergency remains in effect, extended by the government until 12 November for the Olomouc region and until 13 November for the Moravian-Silesian region due to the flooding.
The law regarding shop closures came into force in 2016 and stipulates that retail shops with an area of 200 square metres or more must close on specified public holidays. In addition to 28 October, this applies to 1 January, Easter Monday, 8 May, and 28 September. Shops must also close at 12 noon on Christmas Eve and remain closed on 25 and 26 December.
Compliance with this regulation is strictly monitored by the Czech Trade Inspection Office, and fines of up to CZK 1 million can be imposed for violations.
Public Holiday Shop Opening Hours
- January 1 – New Year’s Day – Closed
- Good Friday – Open
- Easter Monday – Closed
- May 1 – Labour Day – Open
- May 8 – Victory Day – Closed
- July 5 – Day of the Slavic Apostles Cyril and Methodius – Open4July 6 – Day of the Burning of Jan Hus – Open
- September 28 – Day of Czech Statehood – Closed
- October 28 – Day of the Founding of Independent Czechoslovakia – Closed
- November 17 – Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy – Closed
- December 24 – Christmas Eve – Open until 12:00 noon
- December 25 – Christmas Day – Closed
- December 26 – Second Christmas Day – Closed
