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GREATΒ BAY--As has been allowed on in previous years, only shops located in Philipsburg will be granted a special exemption to open on St. Maarten's Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, as government seeks to accommodate cruise ship passengers scheduled to visit the island during the holiday season.
Businesses elsewhere on St. Maarten remain subject to the mandatory closure requirements, except for categories already exempted under the law.
The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) announced that the exemption applies to Wednesday, November 11, 2026 (St. Maarten's Day), Friday, December 25, 2026 (Christmas Day), and Friday, January 1, 2027 (New Year's Day).
According to the ministry, the decision was taken because cruise ships are scheduled to call at Port St. Maarten on all three public holidays. Allowing Philipsburg shops to operate is intended to enhance the visitor experience while supporting economic activity during the holiday season.
Shops in Philipsburg covered by the exemption will be permitted to open between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on each of the three holidays.
The ministry emphasized that businesses choosing to operate under the exemption must comply fully with all applicable labor regulations.
Under the National Ordinance on Shop Closure, businesses are generally required to remain closed on official public holidays. This requirement also applies to stand-alone casinos and lottery establishments.
However, the ministry clarified that certain businesses are already permitted to operate under Article 3 of the National Ordinance on Shop Closure and are not affected by the general closure requirement.
These include pharmacies selling medicines and medical products, bars and restaurants, hotels and guesthouses, stores located within hotels or on airport and harbor premises, funeral parlors, gas stations, and bakeries selling pastries, milk and milk products.
These existing exemptions remain applicable regardless of the special arrangement granted to Philipsburg shops.
The ministry's announcement also includes a map identifying the Philipsburg area covered by the holiday opening exemption.
Businesses outside the designated area that do not fall within the existing legal exemptions are required to remain closed on November 11, December 25 and January 1.
The ministry reminded business owners to observe the applicable regulations as St. Maarten prepares for the upcoming holiday season and increased cruise tourism activity.
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