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Hamburg's outdoor catering: Districts are planning less bureaucracy for pub terraces!
Altona is discussing new regulations for outdoor catering in order to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote the gastronomy scene.
Hamburg's outdoor catering: Districts are planning less bureaucracy for pub terraces!
Outdoor dining is flourishing in Hamburg. In the Mitte district in particular, new regulations are being considered to make life easier for restaurateurs. They currently have to apply for new special permits every year in order to be able to entertain guests outside. But that could soon change. The new district coalition made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP plans to introduce multi-year permits in order to reduce the bureaucratic burden. FDP group leader Timo Fischer emphasizes that this not only saves time, but also optimizes administrative processes. MOPO reports that In addition, winter terraces should also be allowed in other parts of the city, not just in the city center and on Hansaplatz in St. Georg.
Restaurateurs are currently only allowed to use their outdoor terraces in Mitte from the beginning of March to the end of October. These timelines are still up for discussion. In Altona, district politicians are also looking at approval practices and are considering similar simplifications, as Dana Vornhagen, co-chair of the Altona Green Party, notes. A decision could be made at the next district meeting on June 26th.
Bureaucratic hurdles and local differences
A clash of different regulations causes confusion. The different approval practices between the districts are difficult to understand since all administrations are subject to the Hamburg Highways Act. This law provides that no permanent special permits are permitted. However, each district is allowed to determine the duration of the permits itself, which leads to these differences. Hamburg.com provides information about the requirements that must be met for the granting of a special use permit. For restaurateurs, this means not causing any restrictions in traffic safety, traffic flow or public issues if they want to operate outdoor catering.
The requirements for the applications are also clearly regulated. Among other things, restaurateurs must submit documents that explain the type and scope of the planned special use. Contrary to belief, however, there is no entitlement to approval even if the criteria are met. The decision is at the discretion of the responsible body and is always limited.
In harmony with volume and environmental protection
Another topic that should not be missing from the discussion about outdoor dining is noise protection. Restaurants must comply with the provisions of the Federal Immission Control Act and the technical instructions for protection against noise. The night's quiet generally begins at 10 p.m., while many federal states no longer have a curfew. Nevertheless, special curfew regulations apply to outdoor catering, which are usually linked to the night's rest. The hospitality magazine sheds light on this various legal requirements, which can vary depending on the federal state and municipality.
Of course, restaurateurs can't just get started. A license is mandatory if alcoholic beverages are to be served. The application for this, like the subsequent extension of the restaurant license, requires careful preparation. Businesses with outdoor catering will also be very popular in 2025 and will provide many businesses with the urgently needed support in economically challenging times.