A new law limiting Sunday trading came into force in Poland on Thursday.

Under the new rules, trading will be banned on two Sundays a month.

The ban will be stepped up to three Sundays a month in 2019, while in 2020 trading will be prohibited on all Sundays except seven, including those in the run-up to Christmas and Easter.

March 11 will be the first Sunday on which trading is banned.

Bakeries, confectioners, petrol stations, florists, post offices, train stations and airports will be exempt from the ban.

Owners will be able to open their shops as long as they serve customers themselves.

Anyone infringing the new rules faces a fine of up to PLN 100,000 (EUR 23,900; USD 29,250). Repeat offenders may face a prison sentence. (aba/vb/pk)

Source: IAR