Imagine this: You’re finishing up work for the day, and just as you’re about to close your laptop, your boss emails you. But instead of feeling stressed, you ignore it – because answering after hours is illegal.

Sounds like a dream, right? Well, in France, it’s a reality.

Every country has its own way of regulating business, but some laws are so strange, unexpected, or downright bizarre that they leave business owners scratching their heads. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest laws affecting businesses around the world – some of which might actually be genius!.

France: No Work Emails After Hours

If your job has ever made you feel like you’re on call 24/7, France has your back.

• Since 2017, French companies with more than 50 employees are legally required to give workers the “right to disconnect.” This means employees are not expected to check or respond to work emails after hours.

• The idea behind the law? To protect workers from burnout and stress – which, let’s be honest, sounds amazing.

Imagine a world where your out-of-office message actually means something!

Takeaway: If you ever feel overwhelmed by work emails, just remind your boss that France has a law against it. (It may not work, but it’s worth a try!)

Italy: You Can’t Make Bad Pizza in Naples

Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it makes sense that they take it very seriously.

• A 2004 law in Naples states that pizza makers must follow strict traditional methods, including using wood-fired ovens and specific ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala.

• If you try to sell something called pizza but don’t follow these rules, you can actually face fines.

So yes, Italy has a law against bad pizza. And honestly? We support this.

Takeaway: If you’re thinking about opening a pizzeria in Naples, make sure your recipe is up to legal standards – or risk the wrath of Italian food law!

Canada: No Advertising to Kids in Quebec

If you’ve ever wondered why, you don’t see cartoon-covered cereal boxes or fast-food ads aimed at kids in Quebec, there’s a reason: it’s illegal.

• Since 1980, Quebec has banned advertising to children under 13. The idea is to protect kids from consumer manipulation – which makes sense, considering how much marketing is aimed at getting kids to beg their parents for things.

• McDonald’s in Quebec? No Happy Meal toys on display. Cereal brands? No cartoon mascots on the box.

Result? Quebec has one of the lowest childhood obesity rates in Canada. Maybe they’re onto something!

Takeaway: If your business relies on marketing to kids, Quebec is probably not the place to set up shop.

Singapore: No Chewing Gum Sales

In most places, chewing gum is a minor annoyance – especially when you step in it. But in Singapore, it’s literally a crime.

• Since 1992, Singapore has banned the sale, import, and production of chewing gum.

• Why? Because people kept sticking gum on public transport doors, jamming up train sensors, and generally making a mess. The government decided enough was enough.

• Exception: You can get gum from a pharmacy if you have a prescription – but only for medical purposes (like nicotine gum).

So yes, in Singapore, buying a pack of gum is as regulated as buying medication.

Takeaway: If you run a business selling candy, avoid Singapore – unless you want to be the first company selling “prescription-only bubble gum.”

California: No High Heels Without a Permit

If you’re in Carmel, California, and you love wearing high heels, you technically need a permit.

• The city has a weird old law that bans wearing heels higher than 2 inches – unless you have a special permit from the city.

• The law was created to prevent lawsuits from people tripping on uneven sidewalks.

• Good news: The rule isn’t really enforced, so no one’s stopping you from strutting around in stilettos.

It’s probably the only city in the world where you need a permit… to be fashionable.

Takeaway: If you ever visit Carmel and someone asks if you have a “heel permit”, don’t be too surprised.

Denmark: You Must Check for Sleeping Children Under Your Car Before Driving

Before you start your car in Denmark, you’re legally required to check underneath it… just in case.

• The law states that drivers must check for children sleeping under the car before turning on the engine.

• No one is really sure where this law came from, but it still exists.

It’s either a weird piece of old legislation that never got removed… or Danish kids have a very strange hiding spot.

Takeaway: If you ever rent a car in Denmark, be sure to check under it first – just in case.

Business Laws: The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre

While some business laws make perfect sense, others feel straight out of a comedy sketch. But whether they’re weird or wise, they still shape the way companies operate around the world.

At LanguageWize, we don’t just teach English – we also love diving into fascinating global business culture and helping professionals navigate language and etiquette with confidence.

Join us today and take your global business communication skills to the next level!

Heidi Nel

21 April 2025