As a result, the website forecasts no dismissals by retailers, but no extra hiring for the Christmas period either.

Shopping malls are home to some 6,000 shops that must now close earlier, and 1,000 restaurants which must close fully.

In addition, hypermarkets host 2,500 shops and 500 restaurants affected by the new measures.

Some 20,000 small food stores will also be affected by the new regulations, as will tobacconists.

About 10,000 specialised stores, which are not in plazas, are also affected.

The changes do not affect petrol stations and pharmacies.


MTI Photo: Zoltán Balogh