# Montenegro Sunday retail enforcement and legal loopholes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-sunday-retail-enforcement
> Updated: 2026-08-13T05:12:42.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

In late July, Montenegro’s Chamber of Commerce warned that some retailers were evading the country’s Sunday‑non‑working‑day rule by re‑registering as specialised shops or kiosks. Chamber president Nina Drakić called for clearer legal definitions, higher penalties for repeat offenders, and better coordination among authorities, stating the chamber would submit legislative proposals to tighten the framework. Market inspector Marina Radulović noted that inspectors repeatedly encounter such attempts and that current penalties are insufficient.

By early August, the Market Inspection Service moved from warning to action. Since 1 July, inspectors carried out 123 nationwide checks, sealing 118 retail outlets and issuing 178 infringement notices totaling approximately €89,400 in fines. Officials stated the crackdown targets traders using re‑registration or alternative interpretations of the law to ensure consistent enforcement and fair competition.

Despite these enforcement efforts, economic analyst Davor Dokić observed that gas stations and kiosks are increasingly expanding food offerings—such as milk, yogurt, and deli meats—to bypass the Sunday ban. Dokić suggested the current framework allows for “creative interpretations” that often result in higher prices. He noted that while locals are informed, tourists frequently struggle to purchase basic groceries on weekends. To address this, Dokić proposed a model similar to Slovenia, which would allow small, family-owned shops under 100 square meters to operate on Sundays to support small traders against large retail chains.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: Montenegro gas stations expand food sales amid Sunday shopping ban

Gas stations in Montenegro are expanding food sales, including dairy and deli products, to bypass Sunday shopping bans, leading to calls for regulatory reform to assist both small traders and tourists.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-gas-stations-expand-food-sales-amid-sunday-shopping-ban

### 2026-08-01: Montenegro inspectors close 118 shops, fine €90k for Sunday trading

Montenegro’s market inspectors sealed 118 shops and levied nearly €90 000 in fines for illegal Sunday trading, after 123 inspections since 1 July, led by chief inspector Marina Radulović.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tuzla-and-bijelo-polje-impose-stricter-pet-ownership-regulations

### 2026-07-29: Montenegro trade chamber urges tighter Sunday‑retail rules as Bosnia unions demand non‑working day

Montenegro’s trade chamber flags abuse of Sunday‑retail exemptions and pushes stricter rules, while Bosnia’s Republic of Srpska union seeks a non‑working Sunday, citing EU‑backed analysis showing limited impact

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balkan-unions-and-chambers-push-for-stricter-sunday-retail-rules

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Cite as: Montenegro Sunday retail enforcement and legal loopholes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-sunday-retail-enforcement