As of August 13, 2026, new rules are in effect for the opening hours of commercial establishments. This legislation has significant implications for entrepreneurs looking to operate their businesses.
For most shops, the new regulation allows opening from 5 AM and requires closing no later than 9 PM. The mandatory weekly rest day has been abolished, enabling businesses to choose to open seven days a week.
However, specific rules and exceptions apply to certain types of businesses, such as night shops and private telecommunication bureaus (phone shops). A comprehensive overview can be found on the website of the Federal Public Service Economy.
Entrepreneurs are no longer obligated to observe a fixed weekly rest day. They can independently decide which days their shop will be open, within the legal operating hours applicable to their specific activity.
Under the new regulations, cities can still grant exceptions for special and temporary circumstances, annual fairs, or local markets. For Herk-de-Stad, the maximum deviations for 2026 have already been approved based on the regulations in force at the time. A complete overview of approved deviations and current rules is available on the city's website.
