Fears persist among hotel and catering organizations regarding potential revenue declines

In the ongoing debate surrounding measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Berlin's restaurants and bars are bracing for new restrictions. From next Saturday, these establishments will have to close from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

This decision has been met with criticism from the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA). DEHOGA's managing director, Ingrid Hartges, finds such measures imposed on businesses behaving responsibly disproportionate. She believes that measures must be proportionate, otherwise they are nothing more than blind activism.

DEHOGA has expressed incomprehension about the debate on closing times and alcohol bans in the context of the corona crisis. Unfounded new bans, according to DEHOGA, do not increase acceptance of necessary protective measures.

The new restrictions come as a blow to many businesses that have already been struggling due to the pandemic. Restaurateurs in cities where opening hours were reduced and alcohol bans were in place have reported a drop in business of 50 to 70 percent. These losses increase when restrictions on opening hours and alcohol bans are added.

The impact of such designations is not just financial. If a city or district is designated as a risk area, it leads to uncertainty among guests and often results in travel and restaurant visits being cancelled. This uncertainty translates into significant revenue losses for businesses.

Politicians discussing these measures include Niedersachsen’s Health Minister Dr. Andreas Philippi and Minister von der Decken, among other health officials and representatives involved in regional healthcare discussions. Hartges has called for these politicians to explain all restrictions clearly, stating that unfounded new bans are unacceptable.

DEHOGA believes that these measures must be justified and necessary to ensure they are accepted by the public. They argue that blind activism without proper justification can lead to a lack of compliance and undermine the effectiveness of protective measures.

A recent photo of a waitress in a café, shared via the dts news agency, serves as a reminder of the human impact of these restrictions. The photo shows the waitress wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing, demonstrating the efforts being made by businesses to ensure safety.

As the debate continues, it is crucial that all parties involved consider the impact of their decisions on the livelihoods of businesses and the economy as a whole. Clear communication and proportionate measures are key to ensuring compliance and protecting public health.

Fears persist among hotel and catering organizations regarding potential revenue declines