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This is, of course, of particular interest to all businesses involved in (tourism-related) trade and tourism – and naturally to all guests planning to visit our state.
Why is there an Opening Hours Regulation?
The Opening Hours Regulation of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania allows extended store opening hours beyond the Opening Hours Act (ÖffZG M-V). This regulation applies to selected locations and districts, such as spa and recreation resorts, UNESCO World Heritage cities, and officially recognized tourist destinations with high visitor traffic.
The new regulation will be published as soon as possible and will replace the expiring "Bäderverkaufsverordnung" (Resort Sales Regulation). It provides more flexibility for businesses in certain tourism regions of the state. As a result, these stores will be allowed to open on additional Sundays and public holidays starting March 15.
"With this new regulation, we strengthen Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as a tourism destination and ensure equal opportunities with our coastal neighbors. Open doors and vibrant shopping streets benefit both our guests and our economy," said Minister Dr. Wolfgang Blank.
A key aspect of the new Opening Hours Regulation is aligning special opening privileges with those in the neighboring state of Schleswig-Holstein. In addition to a standardized seasonal opening period from March 15 to October 31, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will introduce an additional winter opening period from December 17 to January 8.
Tourist destinations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that previously benefited from special opening hours under the "Bäderverkaufsordnung" will immediately gain advantages from the new regulation. Furthermore, this regulation may be applied in additional World Heritage cities and municipalities that are officially recognized as spa resorts and experience particularly high tourist traffic.
Source: Press release from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Labor M-V (WM)
By the way...
The latest travel behavior statistics of German citizens contrast sharply with the general mood in the country. Despite economic uncertainties, social tensions, and an overall pessimistic outlook, travel frequency continues to rise.
This is highlighted in the 41st German Tourism Analysis, published annually by the Foundation for Future Studies.
According to this analysis, Germany remains the No. 1 travel destination for Germans, with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern maintaining its second place behind Bavaria!
So: Great prospects for tourism in our federal state!
Tip
Are you considering starting a business in the tourism industry or perhaps opening a retail store?
Check out our articles packed with valuable insights on the topic, such as:
- "How to Start a Business in the Tourism Industry – Ideas, Trends, and Funding"
- "Starting a Retail Business: What You Need to Know"
Further Decree on Beach Supply from March 15, 2025
As of March 15, 2025, a new regulation will apply to the placement of beach chairs and other mobile tourism-related facilities on the beaches of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Previously, these facilities had to be removed by October 15 of each year, marking the start of the storm surge season. Now, it will be possible to keep "mobile, easily transportable objects," such as beach chairs that do not require a building permit, on the beach beyond this date without an additional administrative act, i.e., without a separate exemption permit, provided certain conditions are met.
More details can be found in the press release of March 14, 2025, issued by the Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Rural Areas, and Environment of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
