Special regulations in Austria for being open on Sunday

In Austria, stores are generally not allowed to be open on Sundays and public holidays, with some exceptions. The law on shop opening hours ("Öffnungszeitengesetz") stipulates that only certain categories of stores are allowed to operate on Sundays and public holidays, including, as follows.

• Retail stores at railway stations, airports, and other transportation facilities
• Retail stores that sell souvenirs, books, flowers, and other similar items at tourist destinations
• Gas stations and stores at gas stations
• Stores that sell food and essential household items, such as bakeries, convenience stores, and pharmacies, with a sales area of less than 400 square meters
• Stores that are open for cultural or entertainment purposes, such as museums, theaters, and cinemas

However, even for these exceptions, there are strict rules regarding the opening hours and conditions for operation on Sundays and public holidays. In general, stores are only allowed to be open for a limited time, usually between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., and employees who work on Sundays and public holidays are entitled to extra pay or a compensatory day off.