Status: 02.01.2024, 19:12 PM
By: Victoria Krumbeck
CommentsPrint Share
If you want to run errands on New Year's Day, you'll have to be patient. The first of January is a public holiday. But not all shops are closed.
Frankfurt – Anyone who had to buy something in the supermarket shortly before the New Year's Eve party was probably standing in front of closed doors. Since New Year's Eve fell on a Sunday, the opening and sales bans applied on Sundays in most federal states. As early as Christmas Eve, consumers had to plan their purchases and errands meticulously. Even on 1 January, a public holiday, consumers must expect severe restrictions. However, there are also individual exceptions.
Shopping on New Year's Day: These stores are open on
In Germany, the Shop Closing Hours Act regulates the opening hours of sales outlets. This means that on a public holiday such as 1 January, supermarkets and discounters such as Lidl, Aldi or Rewe are closed. Nevertheless, the law contains numerous exceptions, so that in most cases the following regulations apply:
- Pharmacies are only allowed to sell medicines, nursing, infant care and infant food, hygienic items and disinfectants on public holidays.
- Petrol stations are allowed to sell spare parts for motor vehicles on public holidays if this is necessary to maintain or restore roadworthiness. The sale of consumables and travel supplies is permitted.
- Kiosks are allowed to sell newspapers and magazines between 11 a.m. and 13 p.m. on public holidays.
- Sales outlets at passenger stations and airports are allowed to open on public holidays. However, only products that are needed for travel needs may be sold there.
- Source: LadSchlG
Shopping on New Year's Day – These products are sold by stores
The law defines travel necessities as products such as newspapers, magazines, road maps, city maps, travel books, writing materials, tobacco products, cut flowers, travel toiletries, films, sound recordings, supplies for first-aid kits, travel souvenirs and toys of lower value, food and luxury foods in smaller quantities as well as foreign types of money. Consumers can buy all these things on New Year's Day at petrol stations, train stations and airports.
Most shops are closed on New Year's Day. However, there are some exceptions. © Photomontage Funke Foto Services/Hanno Bode/IMAGO
All federal states can enact their own laws that go beyond the nationwide regulations. In some rural areas, for example, shops may be open on public holidays for up to two hours, as defined by §11 LadSchlG. All other errands will have to wait until January 2nd. (UK)