We have a long weekend ahead. Will the stores be open on August 15th?

Will you be able to shop on Thursday, August 15, 2024?

This Thursday, August 15, we celebrate the Day of the Polish Army and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a non-working day, therefore, according to the applicable regulations, a legal ban on trading will apply. We will not shop in large-format stores or shopping malls because they will be closed, or at least the vast majority of them.

Christmas trade restrictions

According to the Law of January 10, 2018 on the restriction of trade on Sundays and holidays and on certain other days, on August 15, it will be prohibited in commercial establishments:

• trade and performance of trade-related activities,
• entrust an employee or worker with work in commerce and activities related to commerce.

Consequences of violating Thursday’s trading ban

Violating Thursday’s trading ban could result in a hefty fine or even restriction of freedom. Lawyer Oliwia Wiza-Carvalho, from WIZA LAW FIRM, draws attention to this in an interview with Gazeta Prawna.

– The aforementioned law penalizes acts by entrepreneurs that consist of violating the prohibition of trading on Sundays and holidays, whether committed intentionally or unintentionally. This means that an employer who failed to read the applicable regulations or ordered an employee to work on the public holiday of Thursday, August 15, due to an organizational error, will also meet the legal criteria for a prohibited act and may be subject to a fine of up to PLN 100,000 zloty. – recalls lawyer Oliwia Wiza-Carvalho.

Will all stores be closed on August 15th?

We will only have the opportunity to do quick shopping on Thursdays in places where the legal prohibition does not apply. The regulation provides that withCertain types of activities are exempt from restrictions, including:

• gas stations,
• pharmacies and pharmacy outlets,
• mail,
• gastronomy,
• flower shops.

We will also be able to shop at smaller stores and chains, but opening hours may vary greatly. Most of the time, these facilities are open on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and sometimes until 8:00 pm.

The long weekend is coming – extended store hours

On the eve of the Thursday holiday, many retail chains decided to extend their opening hours. Among them is Biedronka, which traditionally extends the opening hours of its branches several times a year to allow customers to stock up on supplies for the long weekend.

“August 15 is a day off from work, which this year falls on a Thursday, which is why a large number of Poles will take advantage of this opportunity for a longer rest. In response to customer needs, over 3,100 Biedronka stores will be open for longer, from Monday 12 August to Saturday 17 August. This week they will be open until at least 11:30 pm.“- we read in a statement released by the broadcaster.