Shop Opening Hours Reduced to Save Power Until September 26th

Further details on the new restrictions to shops’ opening hours have been revealed, with the new regulations coming into effect on July 1st. The new limits on opening hours will be in effect until September 26th, and are designed to reduce electricity usage across the country, following a period of increased power outages owing to increased domestic consumption.

In general, the new regulations permit commercial shops to open between 7 AM and 10 PM, or 11 PM on Thursdays, Fridays and official holidays. Rules for malls as a whole differ slightly - they will be permitted to open from 10 AM to 12 AM midnight, or 1 AM on Thursdays, Fridays and official holidays.

The rules also have an effect on the opening hours of restaurants, cafes, and markets, which can open between 6 AM and 12 AM midnight - 24 hour takeaway services will be unaffected by the new regulations. Just like shops and malls, cafe and restaurant opening hours will also be extended by an hour on Thursdays, Fridays and official holidays.

As for mechanics’ workshops, enforced opening hours will be from 8 AM to 7 PM, with an exception made for workshops on roads and at petrol stations.

Regarding exemptions, the announcement also made clear the exemption of grocery shops and supermarkets, bakeries, wholesale markets and pharmacies, which will be permitted to remain open according to normal Summer opening hours.