ABSTRACT
LADENSCHLUSSZEITEN Germany traditionally has some of the most restrictive opening hours for shops in Europe. Closing times have been governed by the Ladenschlujigesetz dating from 1956, with shops allowed to open Monday to Friday from 7.00 am but having to close by 6.30 pm (2.00 pm on Saturdays) with late-night shopping until 8.30 pm on Thursdays. There are certain exceptions for pharmacies, newspaper kiosks, hairdressers and service stations, and special rules apply to shops in railway stations and airports. Following considerable controversy it was agreed in November 1995 to extend opening times to 8.00 pm on weekdays and to permit Saturday opening until between 2 00 and 6 00 pm depending on the LAND.
