A new wave of debate has erupted in Jerez de la Frontera over shop opening hours. After the High Court of Andalusia (Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Andalucía, TSJA) temporarily suspended the city’s status as a high tourist influx zone (Zona de Gran Afluencia Turística, ZGAT), confusion has ensued: no one can say for sure what rules shops are supposed to follow now.
Previously, this status allowed stores to open without restrictions during certain periods of the year, including Semana Santa (Easter), MotoGP Grand Prix events, and from May to October. The entire city benefited from this policy. However, after a change in the municipal government and a series of complaints from small business representatives, the previous rules were scrapped. In summer 2024, stricter regulations were introduced: only the historic center retained flexible hours, while large retail complexes on the outskirts lost these privileges.
The association of major retail chains opposed these new restrictions and took the case to court, demanding the restoration of the previous conditions. The court sided with the retailers and temporarily suspended the new rules, arguing that immediate enforcement could cause large shops financial harm that would be difficult to remedy.
However, the court’s decision did not provide a clear answer on how shops should now operate. Major retail chains are convinced they are now allowed to open on any day, citing provisions in the law that provide for automatic liberalization for cities with over 100,000 inhabitants and high tourist traffic, unless a special status is in effect. The municipality, on the other hand, insists that previous restrictions remain: no more than 16 Sundays and holidays per year when shops are allowed to open.
Conflict of interests and uncertainty for businesses
As a result, the city now faces a situation where some shopping centers continue working according to the old schedule, while others await clarification. Store employees and unions demand compliance with the regional calendar, while authorities are in no rush to provide official guidance. The entire system is in limbo, and neither side is willing to compromise.
The regional government of Andalucía is currently considering appealing the court’s decision to the Supreme Court of Spain (Tribunal Supremo). Officials believe the current situation creates legal uncertainty and could negatively impact the local economy. Authorities stress that the issue of shop opening hours affects not only Jerez but also other cities in the region, where there is ongoing debate about how many days per year stores can open on holidays and weekends.
Jerez sets an example for all of Andalucía
The situation in Jerez has become a reflection of a broader debate in Andalusia. There is no consensus in the region on whether shops should be allowed to open more frequently on holidays. Surveys show that about half the residents support the idea of greater flexibility, but many municipalities—especially those governed by the Partido Popular—oppose expanding rights for large retail chains.
While a final decision has yet to be made, Jerez remains in the spotlight. The outcome of this dispute will shape not only the future of local commerce, but could also prompt legislative changes across Andalusia. Over the coming weeks, authorities and courts are expected to provide more clarity. Until then, businesses and residents can only wait and hope for a clear resolution.
