RETAIL RESTRICTIVENESS ANALYSIS IN EASTERN EUROPE RETAIL RESTRICTIVENESS ANALYSIS IN EASTERN EUROPE | Page 12

FIGURE 6: SCORING BY "REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT LINKED TO SIZE" (0 – THE LEAST REGULATED
COUNTRY, 6 – THE MOST REGULATED ONE)
Source: Civitta analysis, 2019
LOCATION-SPECIFIC RULES
As the location remains a vital element for the retail operations, the regulation influencing the choice of
location is of high impact. Among the most usual types of location-based regulation is some form of
prohibition to locate large outlets in the city centre.
Among the countries analysed some form of restriction exists in Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia, Moldova
and Romania.
In Italy 15 , municipalities are authorised to set the limits to the establishment of large and medium outlets
in the areas of artistic, cultural and historical value.
In Spain, the legislation varies by the region, but is present in most regions in some form. In Aragón, for
instance, the establishment of retail outlets in “particularly vulnerable areas” (defined by local authorities)
is not allowed. In Cataluña, large territorial retail outlets may only be established in the consolidated urban
areas (i.e., towns and outskirts) with more than 50000 inhabitants.
In Germany 16 , in small regions retailers are not allowed to locate retail outlets with a scale that is not in
proportion with the number of inhabitants.
In Russia 17 , it is not allowed to place shops with an area of more than 1000 m 2 in the built-in premises of
residential buildings.
In Moldova 18 , regulations specific to location are set by the local governments. The prohibition applies if
the local government intends to prohibit trade activities within certain streets or zones completely.
In Romania 19 , local authorities may impose certain requirements depending on the characteristics of the
outlet, such as its area, potential environmental impact from an economic and social point of view, etc. For
commercial properties with an area of more than 1000 m², a retailer must meet more specific
requirements, such as accessibility, parking, etc.
15
For example: Piemonte, http://www.regione.piemonte.it/commercio/dwd/confServizi/allegatoA_confServizi.pdf
According to the Federal Land Utilisation Ordinance.
https://meganorm.ru/Data2/1/4294846/4294846956.htm#i1101757
18
https://mei.gov.md/sites/default/files/ghid_notificarea_activitatii_de_comert-ru.docx
19
https://codfiscal.net/43982/og-992000-republicata-actualizata-2015-comercializarea-produselor-si-serviciilor-de-piata
16
17
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