, 's State Secretary for Deregulation, is proposing a significant expansion of shop opening hours. The plan targets owner-managed shops where entrepreneurs work personally, alongside staffless local suppliers and automated smart stores.
The proposal aligns with head Marcel Haraszti's call to increase weekly limits from 72 to 78 hours. However, retailer remains satisfied with current laws. A Neos party legislative draft is expected for government coordination in October 2026.
This initiative addresses a KMU Forschung Austria study finding 423,000 residents lack local grocery access. By exempting staffless containers from strict Opening Hours Act rulings, officials aim to restore vital supply chains in underserved municipalities.