The Municipality of Vienna have discussed the possibility of extending shop opening hours, during the period of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest.

The Deputy Mayor of Vienna, Bettina Emmerling, has expressed her support for shops opening on Sundays and public holidays during Vienna’s time as the host of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. President of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, Walter Ruck, has supported proposals to remove the current restrictions. The last time this happened was during the 2008 European Football Championship.

If current rules remain in place, shops will be closed on Thursday 14th May and Sunday 17th May. The closure of shops on these dates are viewed as potential opportunities to support the economic impact of hosting the contest. The union representing retail workers have rejected the call for this relaxation of current restrictions.

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Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix