While Labour Day comes without legal restrictions for retailers, nationwide closures for large shops will once again apply on 8 May. Both public holidays fall on a Friday this year.
With the beginning of May, the Czech Republic is preparing for two public holidays: Labour Day on 1 May and Victory Day on 8 May. Although both public holidays are only one week apart and fall on the same weekday, the rules for retailers differ significantly.
In the Czech Republic, 1 May is considered an “other public holiday”. Employees are entitled to a day off, but there are no legal restrictions for retailers. Supermarkets, shopping centres and other shops may therefore remain open as usual. Individual retailers may still choose to close voluntarily.
The situation is different on 8 May. Victory Day commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe and is one of the public holidays on which larger shops are legally required to close. The measure is based on the Retail Act introduced in 2016.
The restrictions apply to all shops with a sales area of more than 200 square metres. Exceptions include pharmacies, health food shops, petrol stations, as well as shops located at airports, railway stations and bus terminals. Large shops located in metro stations, however, are not covered by this exemption and must also remain closed.
Labour Day is also celebrated in neighbouring countries on 1 May. However, alongside the Czech Republic, only Slovakia also marks the end of the Second World War with a public holiday on 8 May.
Additional public holidays in neighbouring countries in May 2026 include:
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Slovakia: 1 May and 8 May
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Poland: 1 May and 3 May (Constitution Day)
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Germany: 1 May, 14 May (Ascension Day), 25 May (Whit Monday)
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Austria: 1 May, 14 May (Ascension Day), 25 May (Whit Monday)
