Belgium’s federal government has approved a significant change to retail opening hours, allowing shops to remain open until 9 p.m. Every day and abolishing the mandatory weekly closing day. The decision, confirmed by multiple verified sources, marks a shift in regulations that have long governed when physical stores can operate across the country.
The reform, which passed through the Council of Ministers, means retailers are no longer required to close for a full 24-hour period each week. Previously, most shops had to shut by 8 p.m. On weekdays, with only Friday evenings permitting extended hours until 9 p.m. Under the new framework, businesses can choose to operate longer each day but are not obligated to do so, as emphasized by Minister of Self-Employed Persons Eléonore Simonet (MR), who presented the proposal.
The change aims to align brick-and-mortar retail with evolving consumer habits and the growing flexibility of e-commerce. Officials cited the outdated nature of existing laws, which they argued no longer match modern shopping behaviors or competitive pressures from online platforms and international retailers, particularly in border regions where neighboring countries like France permit later closing times.
Whereas major retail chains have welcomed the move as a way to better compete with digital marketplaces, the adjustment has drawn criticism from some little business advocates. The Neutral Union for Self-Employed (NSZ) warned that longer opening hours could increase operational costs and workload for independent shop owners without guaranteeing higher sales, describing the policy as a “poisoned gift” for smaller enterprises despite potential benefits for larger corporations.
In Brussels, protests emerged against related plans to permit Sunday openings, with workers at two Aldi supermarkets going on strike. Employees reportedly halted operations in response to discussions about opening stores on Sundays, highlighting tensions over work-life balance and retail expansion. The federal government confirmed that Aldi had sought to initiate social consultations regarding Sunday trading, though the core approved measure focuses on daily evening extensions rather than mandatory Sunday openings.
The legislative proposal now awaits review by Parliament, with officials expressing hope it can proceed before the summer recess. Should it pass, the updated rules would standardize weekday closing times at 9 p.m. And remove the legal requirement for a weekly shutdown, granting retailers greater flexibility in setting their schedules while maintaining that extended hours remain optional, not compulsory.
For consumers, the change means potential access to physical stores later into the evening across all days of the week, subject to individual business decisions. Retailers retain the freedom to maintain current hours if they choose, ensuring no disruption for those preferring earlier closures. The reform reflects broader efforts to modernize commercial regulations in response to digital transformation and shifting societal expectations around convenience and accessibility.
As the proposal advances through the legislative process, stakeholders on all sides continue to weigh its implications for employment, small business viability and retail competitiveness. Official updates will be available through federal government channels and parliamentary proceedings as the bill moves toward potential enactment.
Stay informed about developments in Belgian retail policy by following official announcements from the Federal Public Service Economy and the Belgian Parliament. Share your thoughts on how changing opening hours might affect your community or business.