Croatia’s Sunday trading debate reignites as small retailers seek exemption

The debate over Sunday trading in Croatia has flared up once again, with small family retailers calling for greater flexibility and the government firmly defending the current restrictions.

The renewed discussion was sparked by indications that small traders could be allowed to operate on Sundays without limitation, while larger retail chains would continue to be restricted to 16 working Sundays per year under the existing law.

However, as HRT reported, Croatia’s Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, swiftly dismissed the proposal, signalling that the government has no immediate plans to amend the legislation.

Small Retailers Feel the Pressure

Many small shop owners argue that the current rules have led to a noticeable drop in turnover, particularly due to the loss of impulse purchases typically made on Sundays.

“Of course turnover is lower because there is no spillover from impulse buying, that loss cannot be recovered,” one retailer said. He added that while larger chains with multiple outlets in towns and cities can redistribute trade across the week, small independent shops do not have that luxury.

The current law, introduced through amendments to the Trade Act in 2023, limits retail outlets to operating on just 16 Sundays per year.

The measure was designed as a compromise after previous attempts to restrict Sunday trading were repeatedly struck down by the Constitutional Court.

The Hrvatska obrtnička komora (HOK) has reiterated its long-standing position that 16 working Sundays are insufficient for small family businesses.

HOK President Dragutin Kratohvil said the Chamber had clearly communicated its stance during discussions on amendments to the Crafts Act, expecting provisions to allow small craft-based retailers to work Sundays without restriction.

“We cannot compare large retail chains with small family shops,” Kratohvil stressed to HRT, adding that the Chamber would continue to advocate for changes.

Although amendments to the Crafts Act were expected to address the issue, the latest draft legislation sent to public consultation this week did not include such provisions, indicating that the proposal has, at least for now, been shelved.

Minister Šušnjar defended the existing law, emphasising Croatia’s cultural and religious identity.

“We are predominantly a Catholic country, and Sunday serves to observe the Lord’s Day and spend time together with family,” Šušnjar said last week. He added that the law, which has been upheld as constitutional, has helped return workers to their families and Sunday lunch tables.

The reference to constitutionality is significant. Over the past two decades, various Croatian governments have attempted to regulate Sunday trading, but earlier laws were repeatedly overturned by the Constitutional Court.

The 2023 amendments were crafted specifically to withstand legal scrutiny and have since been confirmed as constitutional.

Any further intervention could therefore reopen constitutional questions.

Criticism has also come from the business community. Boris Podobnik from the association Glas poduzetnika questioned whether Croatia needs to take a stricter stance than other Catholic-majority countries.

“Countries with strong tourism sectors, including the Vatican and Italy, do not impose such bans because many regions and towns depend on tourism,” Podobnik argued.

He added that practising believers can attend Mass while still running a business, suggesting that Sunday trading and religious observance are not mutually exclusive.

The issue carries particular weight in a country where tourism plays a major economic role. During peak season, Sunday trade can be vital for small businesses in coastal towns and popular destinations.

Yet the government remains cautious. With the Constitutional Court having already approved the current framework, any attempt to expand Sunday trading rights could trigger fresh legal challenges.

For now, the 16-Sunday rule remains in place for all retailers, large and small alike. But with mounting pressure from craft associations and entrepreneur groups, the Sunday trading debate in Croatia appears far from settled.