The Netherlands, explained in English · Tuesday 27 October 2026Tue 27 Oct

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The Netherlands, explained

Winkeltijdenwet

The Winkeltijdenwet (Shop Hours Act) is the Dutch law that sets the rules on when shops may be open. Under it, shops must stay closed on Sundays and public holidays, but municipalities can allow exceptions. Municipalities decide these exceptions for themselves, so opening on Sundays can differ from one town to another.

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