TEATT grants Philipsburg shop opening exemption for three public holidays

On Wednesday 21 October, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication (TEATT) said shops in Philipsburg may open from 6am to 6:30pm AST on St. Maarten’s Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The exemption applies on 11 November 2026, 25 December 2026 and 1 January 2027.

TEATT said the National Ordinance on Shop Closure requires places of business to close on public holidays, including stand-alone casinos and lottery establishments. The minister said cruise ships are scheduled to visit the port on each of the three holidays. Businesses choosing to operate under the exemption were reminded to comply with applicable labour regulations.

TEATT said Article 3 of the ordinance allows pharmacies to operate for the sale of medicines and medical products. Bars, restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, stores at hotels, the airport and harbour, funeral parlours, gas stations, and bakeries selling pastries, milk or milk products may also operate as regulated by the ordinance.