Braunschweig Christmas market: cup deposits and legal stumbling blocks!

Braunschweig Christmas market: cup deposits and legal stumbling blocks!

When the smell of mulled wine and roasted almonds wafts through the streets and the festively decorated stands crowd the Braunschweig Christmas market, it becomes clear: it's high time for a contemplative break! The Christmas market, which is open from November 26th to December 29th, not only attracts with culinary delicacies, but also with a very special highlight: the Christmas market cups.

But what are these cups all about? As Kathleen Franz, the operator of the popular “Hühnerstall” mulled wine stand, reports, the atmosphere around the cups is relaxed. Many guests ask if they can take the cups home; This is usually understood as a compliment to the design. The cups, which come without dates, allow for flexible use and are very popular. In order to cover the cost of the cups, the deposit was increased from 1 euro to 2 euros, as the purchase price is 1.92 euros per piece. Last year the cups were already sold out shortly before Christmas Eve, so the stock was increased for this year.

Legal framework

But be careful! In addition to the festive atmosphere, there are also legal hurdles to consider. According to legal information from the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, taking the cups with you is not permitted, even if the deposit has been paid. Lawyer Harald Rotter from the German Lawyers' Association explains that individually designed containers such as bottles or cups always remain the property of the manufacturer, regardless of the deposit paid. This applies not only to Christmas markets, but also to events such as concerts or in the stadium. A violation of this could theoretically even be punishable. In the case of cups with changing motifs, it is usually expressly stated whether take-away is permitted, which is not the case here.

These regulations cast a shadow on the happy atmosphere, but most guests seem to deal with them well. It is precisely the uniqueness of the cups, which Kathleen Franz rejects as “boring,” that creates a special connection to the Christmas market, even if you can't just put them in your pocket.

A look at market conditions

And what about the economic aspects of the Christmas market? This is where the issue of sales tax comes into play. The dispute over the leasing of fairground space has caused quite a stir in recent years. The Münster Finance Court has decided that the rental and leasing of these areas is exempt from sales tax if it is viewed as a uniform service. This is of considerable interest to stand operators as it can reduce the burden on their cost structure.

In summary, it can be said that the Braunschweig Christmas market, with its tempting delicacies and the special culture of drinks and cups, is a place that, despite legal restrictions, ensures a contemplative and sociable atmosphere. A good reason to stop by and let yourself be carried away by the Christmas spirit!

For further information on market law and specific regulations on the Christmas market, we recommend following current legal analyzes and keeping a close eye on local conditions.

News38 reports that the cups at the Christmas market in Braunschweig are popular souvenirs, but they are not allowed to be taken with you. There are more details here landundforst.de, where the legal background is declared as collateral. In addition, the market law aspects can also be discussed eventfaq.de be read.