Commercial Sundays Shopping Ban Lifted – Key Dates Revealed
Presidential Veto Looms Over Sunday Trading Law: What Does It Mean for Polish Shoppers?
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The future of Sunday trading in Poland hangs in the balance as a presidential veto appears increasingly likely for the draft law seeking to loosen restrictions. This means shoppers may continue to face limited shopping opportunities on the first and third Sundays of each month – at least in the near future. Here’s a breakdown of what the potential veto means, the legislative process ahead, and what it all signifies for consumers and businesses.
What Happens If the President Vetoes the Sunday Trading Law?
If President duda vetoes the proposed amendments to the Act on restriction of trade on Sundays and holidays, and the Labor Code (Sejm print No. 384), the bill won’t simply disappear. Rather, it will be returned to the Sejm (the lower house of Polish parliament) for reconsideration, accompanied by the President’s detailed justification for the veto.
This initiates a crucial second stage in the legislative process, governed by Article 122, paragraph 5 of the Polish Constitution. The Sejm then has the power to override the presidential veto, but it requires a significant hurdle: a qualified majority of 3/5 of all deputies, with at least half of the statutory number of deputies present.
Alternatively, the sejm can choose to uphold the President’s veto, effectively halting the legislation.
Understanding the Sejm’s options: Override or Acceptance?
Should the Sejm decide to challenge the veto, successfully securing the required majority, the Act would then be resubmitted to the President for signature. Crucially, at this point, the President loses the ability to challenge the Act’s constitutionality through the Constitutional Tribunal (as outlined in Article 122, paragraph 3 of the Polish Constitution). The President would then be obligated to sign the Act and publish it in the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland, bringing it into force.
Though, achieving this 3/5 majority is a considerable challenge. Therefore,while a presidential veto doesn’t automatically kill the bill,it considerably reduces its chances of becoming law and substantially prolongs the legislative timeline. The current political climate suggests a high probability of the veto being upheld, meaning the existing restrictions on Sunday trading are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
The Current Landscape of Sunday Trading in Poland
Currently,trade is generally prohibited on most Sundays and public holidays in Poland. The existing law, enacted on January 10, 2018 (Journal of Laws of 2025, item 301), aimed to provide retail workers with more time off and support smaller, family-owned businesses. Though, exceptions exist, including shops in railway stations, airports, and those offering specific goods like newspapers and flowers.
The proposed amendments sought to introduce more flexibility, perhaps allowing trade on the first and third Sundays of each month – a change keenly anticipated by both consumers and larger retail chains. The debate surrounding the law highlights a clash between worker rights, consumer convenience, and the interests of different business sectors. Recent surveys (TVN24 Biznes, 12.02.2024) indicate varying public opinions on the matter.
Voices in the Debate: Unions and Political Stances
The debate surrounding the Sunday trading law has been highly politicized. NSZZ Solidarność, a major Polish trade union, has voiced strong opposition to loosening the restrictions, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights to rest and family time (NSZZ Solidarność, February 14, 2025). They have also highlighted past votes against more liberalized Sunday trading rules by certain political figures (NSZZ Solidarność, May 22, 2025).
The proposed changes have faced resistance from various quarters,reflecting the complex interplay of economic and social considerations. The outcome of the legislative process will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the retail sector, employment patterns, and the daily lives of Polish citizens.
Legal basis:
Act of 10.01.2018 on trade limitation on Sundays and holidays and on some other days (i.e. Journal of Laws of 2025, item 301)
MPs of the Act amending the act on restriction of trade on Sundays and holidays and on some other days and the Act - Labor Code (Sejm print No