Govt plans to modernize closure law for small towns

The Danish government proposes to modernize the country’s closure laws to allow shops in small towns with fewer than 15,000 inhabitants to remain open on all holidays currently covered by the law. Minister of Industry Morten Bødskov believes this change will help revive small towns where shops are struggling. The proposal is limited to town center shops, which currently must close for 12.5 days annually. Larger cities over 15,000 residents won’t be affected by this rule change. The measure targets approximately 5,600 shops and aims to simplify the process for towns to keep stores open during special events. Bødskov suggests that a single permission could last ten years without the requirement of the event having an official character. These changes are expected to boost local tourism by increasing activity during regional festivals and attracting more visitors who in turn will shop more.