Cologne's Brussels Platz: Exterior catering should open until 11:30 p.m.

Cologne's Brussels Platz: Exterior catering should open until 11:30 p.m.

The outdoor catering on Brussels Platz in Cologne could soon be open until 11:30 p.m. An urgency application by the Greens and CDU, which was published before the council meeting on May 27, demands an extension of the opening hours. So far, Cologne restaurateurs have to close their outdoor areas at 10 p.m. The concerns of the Greens, CDU, SPD, Left, FDP, the party and the Council Group Climate Circle & Gut found a majority in the Council and are now being examined by the administration.

An important background for this advance is a judgment of the Cologne Administrative Court, which classified the previous regulation as "probably illegal". Derya Karadag from the Greens emphasizes that the outer gastronomy is an integral part of urban life on Brussels Platz and solutions are important for a "sound low" outdoor catering. Bernd Petelkau from the CDU describes the place as one of the most beautiful in Cologne and speaks for a balance between residents and celebrating.

protection of residents and regulations

In order to implement the increase in opening times, measures are to be taken that reduce the noise. These include sound -swallowing umbrellas, awnings and volume cars. The goal is to create an operational framework that is secured for everyone involved. Against the background of an established "party scene" and the challenge of a "noise carpet", this is viewed critically, as was mentioned in the discussions in the council.

Maria Helmis-Arend from the SPD describes the initiative as "sensible", but sees the role of outdoor gastronomy in noise pollution with skepticism. While the majority of the Council supports the application, the Volt faction expresses legal concerns and has included the voice. Reference is also made to the previous restrictions that have been introduced according to complaints from residents. A ban on alcoholic beverages has been in force since May 15th.

long -term planning and quality improvement

The city of Cologne has developed guidelines for outdoor catering in the past two years, the process of which has been completed on October 30, 2024. These specify binding requirements for approval as well as the design and design of the outdoor areas in order to promote balanced cooperation in public space. Markus Greitemann, deputy for planning and building, praises the cooperation between the city administration, gastronomy and civil society.

The new regulative requirements are to be implemented from January 1, 2025, with new minimum widths for sidewalks. The initiative for increasing opening times on Brussels Platz could therefore be part of a more comprehensive approach to improve the outer gastronomy in Cologne

The discussion about external catering impressively shows how complex the interaction of the economy, urban quality of life and the wishes of the residents is. It remains to be seen how the city administration will implement the required measures and which answers to the challenges of noise reduction are found.

Further information on this topic is in the reports of t-online href = "https://www.rundschau-online.de/koeln-innenstadt/laermstreit-in-koeln-oeffnet-aussengastro-am-bruesseler-platz-bald-bis-23-30-1033105"> Rundschau online and City of Cologne