This year's trade ban introduced a fresh one, including 24 December, which was originally to be an open day for trade. However, this regulation will not apply anywhere.
In the committee, Members examined 2 proposals for pre-Christmas purchases. The first, reported by the Law and Justice, proposed to specify 2 days for buying – December 10 and 17 – but with a time limit until 2:00 p.m. on the first of these days. In the end, however, this proposal was rejected for the Polish 2050 project, which did not impose time constraints and allowed standard beginning hours for shops on 10 December.
There is simply a fresh trade amendment
In addition, an amendment has been introduced that excludes from the ban on trade on Christmas Eve 32 different types of service and trading points. This includes petrol stations, pharmacies, florists, veterinary points and post office services – this list is in accordance with the applicable exceptions in the Trade Ban Act on Sundays.
Statements by Members of the Civic Coalition pointed to their affirmative attitude towards the 2050 project, but with a simultaneous regulation on the issue of trade liberalisation. They stressed the request to reconstruct solutions before 2018, and the abolition of the ban on trade on Sunday became a major priority, as announced by Michał Jaros. Claudia Jahira pointed out that workers themselves should have a decisive voice on the issue of work on Sunday. Grzegorz Rusiecki noted the hold in the project, pointing out that many shops have already established graphics on Christmas Eve, stressing that the erstwhile government was trying to give employees a occupation on this Christmas day.
The Left expressed support for the 2050 project, stressing that 70% of workers in trade are women who play an crucial function in preparations for Christmas Eve and should not be forced to work on this peculiar day. Maciej Nejny pointed out that all Sundays should be excluded from trading and weekly working time should be reduced from 40 to 35 hours. This approach reflected their deeper commitment to sex equality and improved working conditions.
Prohibition of trade on Sunday – rules
As of March 2018, the Act gradually restricts trade on Sundays. Since 2020, the ban on trade does not apply to 7 Sundays a year: the last Sundays of January, April, June, and August, as well as Sundays preceding Easter and Christmas and 2 consecutive Sundays before Christmas. According to current regulations, this year's trade Sunday is December 17.
The Act, which restricts trade on Sundays, contains a list of 32 exceptions. A trade ban shall not apply, inter alia, to postal services where they make at least 40% of the revenues of the establishment. In addition, it is not utilized in pastry shops, ice cream shops, fuel stations, florists, press shops and cafes. These exemptions constitute a certain scope of activities which are not subject to trade restrictions on Sundays, providing any flexibility and exceptions for certain industries and services.
Ignacy Michałowski
OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: [email protected]
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The Sejm announced a fresh trade decision on Sundays on Christmas Eve:
