Shopping Sundays in Lower Saxony

In Lower Saxony the shops take the first step. Under section 5 of the state’s Shop Opening and Sales Hours Act, the competent authority approves Sunday openings only on application, made by most of the shops in the area or by their association. It needs a special occasion, a public interest in reviving the place or raising its profile, or another objective reason. Up to six Sundays a year are possible across a town, no more than four in any one district; recognised resort towns may approve up to eight. Opening lasts five hours at most. Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Whit Sunday, Volkstrauertag, Totensonntag, every Advent Sunday, every public holiday and 27 December on a Sunday are barred. The authority publishes each approval with the days, the reasons and the areas. Lower Saxony releases Sundays only, never public holidays.