On 28 October, large shops across the Czech Republic will remain closed in observance of the national holiday marking the founding of independent Czechoslovakia. Under Czech law, retail outlets larger than 200 square metres must suspend operations on designated public holidays.
On Tuesday, 28 October, shops with more than 200 square metres, including large supermarkets, must remain closed. This is mandated by Czech law regarding retail trading hours. The date marks the founding day of independent Czechoslovakia (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu), traditionally celebrated as a public holiday.
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 Authority, 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 – Open
- July 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
