Exceptions to mandatory closures
Complete overview of shops and services that may stay open even during public holidays when large retail stores over 200 m² must close.
What does the law say?
Act No. 223/2016 Coll. requires retail stores with a sales area larger than 200 m² to remain closed on selected state holidays. Several specific types of premises are exempt from this obligation.
Types of shops with an exception
Gas stations
Gas stations and their shops can be open during holidays.
Examples:
Shell, MOL, Benzina, OMV, EuroOil
Pharmacies
Emergency pharmacies remain open to ensure healthcare access.
Airport shops
Shops at international airports (Václav Havel, Leoš Janáček, etc.) may be open.
Examples:
Relay, WHSmith, Duty Free
Railway station shops
Shops at main railway stations often remain open.
Examples:
Pont, Relay, Billa Stop & Shop
Hospital shops
Shops in hospitals and healthcare facilities for patients and visitors.
Shops under 200 m²
Smaller shops with area under 200 m² are not required to close on holidays.
Examples:
Žabka, Večerka, Potraviny
E-commerce
Online shops operate 24/7, but delivery may be limited.
Examples:
Alza.cz, Mall.cz, Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz
Tourist areas
Shops in tourist areas and spa towns may have special exceptions.
Examples:
Karlovy Vary, Český Krumlov, historická centra
Emergency services
Services ensuring basic needs - electricity, gas, water, funeral services.
Key information
Stores under 200 m²
Smaller stores with a sales area up to 200 m² are not subject to the closure rules and may set their own opening hours during holidays.
E-shops and online services
Online stores operate continuously, though deliveries may be delayed on public holidays due to limited courier operations.
Regional specifics
Tourist areas, spa towns and mountain resorts may have special local exemptions. Always check the opening hours of the specific shop.
Frequently asked questions
Can Kaufland or Tesco stay open?
Large hypermarkets and supermarkets (over 200 m²) must close on the specified holidays. Only their smaller formats such as Tesco Express are allowed to open.
What about shopping malls?
Shopping malls are usually closed, but some units may open — for example pharmacies, small stores under 200 m², or restaurants.
Do exceptions cover alcohol and tobacco?
Yes, when these products are sold in an exempt store (such as a gas station or a small convenience shop), they can be sold during holidays as well.
What about restaurants and cafés?
Restaurants, cafés and similar venues are not affected by the retail closing law and can set their opening hours freely.
Legal basis
- • Act No. 223/2016 Coll., on opening hours in retail and wholesale
- • Section 1a – Ban on sales during selected holidays
- • Section 1b – Exceptions to the sales ban