RETAIL RESTRICTIVENESS ANALYSIS IN EASTERN EUROPE RETAIL RESTRICTIVENESS ANALYSIS IN EASTERN EUROPE | Page 22

ANNEX 1. STRUCTURE OF THE RRI
Each component of the RRI will be described in the following sections outlining their original features.
ESTABLISHMENT PILLAR
The pillar on establishment restrictions has been divided into two sub-pillars: conditions and procedures
related to the establishment of shops.
ESTABLISHMENT CONDITIONS SUB-PILLAR
The overall assessment of restrictiveness in the establishment of conditions is based on the analysis of the
following four regulatory aspects:
1. Requirements for establishment linked to size
The requirements for retail establishment are often linked to the size of the planned outlet. The larger an
outlet, the higher complexity and burdensome of the establishment process, which seems to be justified
as large shops have larger impact potential.
2. Location-specific rules
Establishment regulations may contain requirements concerning the location of a retail outlet. These
provisions usually concern locations in the city centre or, in contrast, outside the city centre, in the
periphery. For retailers it usually means lower flexibility for choosing a location, making establishment.
3. Requirement for economic data
As a part of the establishment procedure, companies might be required to provide a competent authority
with economic data. This data is related to the impact of the planned outlet.
4. Level of detail in spatial plans
Local spatial plans define the type of constructions or activity that can be undertaken in a specific area.
These definitions can range from broad “commercial use”, i.e. business activities such as retail, food and
drink or financial services, to a very high level of detail, specifying even the types of goods that can be sold
in the area. The granularity of the plans has an impact on the flexibility of retail establishment. If the plan
allows for commercial use in general, it should be easier for retail companies to establish a new outlet by,
for instance, changing the use of premises from a bank to a shop.
ESTABLISHMENT PROCEDURES SUB-PILLAR
1. Number of permits
The authorisation to form a retail outlet may require applying for several permits. The assessment takes
into account the most frequently required permits are a planning permit, building permit, environmental
permit and the special retail authorisation. The existence of a "one-stop shops” system enables combining
all the necessary permits or some of them into one procedure.
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