The Federal Government announced on Friday morning that all shops in Belgium may now stay open until 21:00, seven days a week.
Following a proposal by Eléonore Simonet (MR), minister of the middle class, self-employed and SMEs, the Federal Government has decided to both abolish the mandatory weekly closing day and to relax opening hours to allow shops to open until 21:00, according to a press release from Simonet's cabinet.
In response to Friday's decision, Simonet said, "The current law is no longer suited to the expectations of consumers and retailers, nor to the growth of online retail, which enjoys far greater flexibility than physical shops and creates distortions of competition. Greater flexibility should enable retailers to adapt to current expectations."
The minister said the new ruling is about giving retailers "the freedom to choose", rather than forcing anyone to stay open longer. "We are removing outdated barriers to enable our retailers to better compete with online shops and French retailers. More opportunities, fewer constraints," she explained.
Godsend, or poisoned chalice?
The move has sparked criticism from small businesses and the self-employed. "For multinationals, it's a godsend; for small businesses, a poisoned chalice," the Neutral Union of Self-Employed Workers told VRT. Many are concerned that costs will now be higher and working hours longer without any increase in income.
But Simonet insists there is "no downside" to the decision. "Even now, not all shops choose to close at 20:00. Nothing changes for them; they can still close at 18:00. But for retailers who feel they are at a competitive disadvantage compared to online shops and shops abroad, we are removing the obstacle."
The legislation will come into force following a parliamentary vote, which is due to take place before the summer.
