With this decision, Bavaria becomes the last German federal state to adopt its own legislation regulating retail opening hours. While many of the previous, nationwide rules—among the strictest in the country—will remain in place, the new law introduces several notable changes.
Conservative Opening Hours Remain with Added Flexibility for Late-Night Shopping
Unlike most other federal states, where stores may open until 10 p.m. on weekdays or even operate around the clock, Bavaria—alongside Saarland—will continue to require mandatory closure by 8 p.m. This requirement is now enshrined in state law, replacing the former nationwide Shop Closing Act of 1956. Until now, Bavaria was the only state without its own regulation on retail hours.
A key update is the expansion of options for extended shopping evenings. Municipalities will now be allowed to authorize late-night shopping until midnight on up to eight weekdays per year, without needing to cite a specific reason. In addition, retailers may keep their stores open until midnight on four further days annually for special events, such as book signings. A simple notification to the local municipality is sufficient for these additional dates.
Self-Service Stores May Open on Sundays Under Certain Conditions
Another significant change concerns small, automated self-service stores that operate without staff. These outlets will now be permitted to open continuously on Sundays, provided the sales area does not exceed 150 square meters. This provision is intended to support small-scale automated retail services, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
Sunday Trading Limits Maintained as Churches Voice Opposition
Despite the new flexibilities, the Bavarian state government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Sundays and public holidays. CSU lawmaker Thomas Huber emphasized in the state parliament: “On Sundays, the motto remains peace rather than consumer pressure.” The law still limits the number of permitted Sunday shopping days to four per year, though municipalities will no longer be required to justify them with a special occasion. According to Huber, this is not a sweeping reform, but a “reasonable further development.”
In designated tourist municipalities, it remains possible to open shops on up to 40 Sundays and holidays per year. The criteria for this are being relaxed, allowing local governments to decide independently which areas of their jurisdictions qualify for tourism-related retail. The restrictions on types of goods permitted for sale on these days will also be loosened.
Bavaria’s Labour Minister Ulrike Scharf (CSU) stressed that the new law is “explicitly a law to protect employees,” not a tool to promote commercial interests.
Political Responses Range from Support to Rejection
The coalition parties, the CSU and Free Voters, jointly supported the bill and passed it with their parliamentary majority. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) expressed general approval but called for a time limit and future review of the law. The Greens endorsed the overall direction but requested that the permissible sales area for digital stores be increased to 400 square meters. Both parties ultimately abstained from voting.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) rejected the legislation, arguing that the expanded opening hours threaten labor protections. They particularly criticized the Sunday provisions, citing social and employment law concerns.
Churches Strongly Criticize Relaxation of Sunday Rules
Sharp criticism came from Bavaria’s two major churches. In a joint statement, the Catholic Office of Bavaria and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria expressed concern over the law’s implications. They warned that allowing small automated markets to open all day on Sundays infringes on constitutionally protected Sunday rest. Of particular concern was the possibility that sectioned-off areas within larger supermarkets might now legally open on Sundays. This, the statement said, could fundamentally shift consumer behavior and permanently erode Sunday protections.
Conclusion: Traditional Framework with Modern Adjustments but Sunday Remains Contentious
With this new legislation, Bavaria is reinforcing its traditional stance on retail closing times while making room for modern forms of commerce and increased flexibility for evening events. However, reactions from political parties and civil society indicate that Sunday trading remains a highly sensitive issue. The new legal framework will take effect on August 1.
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