Velence, Balaton regions lobby against Sunday closures

Local municipalities in the region of Lake Balaton addressed Hungary’s National Economy Minister Mihály Varga last week in a letter asking him to temporarily lift the restriction on retailers that prevents them from opening on Sundays, during the period of May 1 - September 30, Hungarian online daily index.hu said. Balázs Balassa, the chairman of the Balaton Association (BSZ) included in the letter that it is not the international chains but small retailers that would like to open on Sundays in the above mentioned period.

The Hungarian government recently passed a bill restricting the Sunday opening of retail spaces over 200 sqm in an alleged attempt to promote family time on that day. Municipalities in the Velence region argued that during the summer season families spend their time in the touristed areas and allowing small retailers to open on Sundays would serve the needs of families and promote their time spent together.

Municipalities in the Balation region noted that during the summer season, tourists and weekend house owners in the region do not differentiate between weekdays and weekends. BSZ said that the government’s initiative is fair, but they ask only that the government make an exception until smaller retail units under 200 sqm are built to serve the population’s needs on Sundays.