For gastronomy in Corona times: Association of cities: suspend heating mushroom ban

Restaurants and bars are particularly suffering from the Corona crisis – the situation threatens to worsen in the approaching winter. Patio heater could continue to make outdoor catering possible in the cold season. The Association of Towns and Municipalities is therefore calling for the ban to be lifted.

The German Association of Cities and Towns has spoken out in favor of a temporary lifting of the mushroom heater ban to support the catering industry in the Corona crisis. "We all know that the risk of infection is less great outdoors than in closed rooms," said chief executive Gerd Landsberg to the "Handelsblatt". "That is why the municipalities, which have so far banned the patio heater for environmental reasons, should at least temporarily suspend it."

This is not only an opportunity for people to be outdoors, but also an "economically important aspect" for the inn, added Landsberg. In view of the increasing number of infections, the situation of the restaurants is becoming more and more difficult, Landsberg emphasized. "That is why we also advocate providing restaurants with more free space in public spaces to allow the necessary distances between the tables."

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) had also pleaded for a return of the patio heaters so that many guests can be entertained in the outdoor areas in the cooler season. The demand is met with sharp criticism from environmentalists. In many places, gas radiant heaters are prohibited for reasons of climate protection.

Federal government gives money for patio heaters

The federal government even wants to promote the patio heaters, which are banned in some cities and municipalities: "Even in the autumn and winter months, functioning outdoor catering is part of the solution," said the federal government's SME representative, Thomas Bareiß, to the "Handelsblatt". "That's why we not only want to enable patio heaters, but the current bridging aid II even supports the acquisition financially." Outdoor catering in the winter months could be a way to keep operations going despite the rising number of infections, according to the Federal Ministry of Economics.

According to previous experience, the risk of contracting the coronavirus is significantly greater indoors than outdoors. This is why many guests prefer to sit outside under patio heaters than in the living room. Gas-powered patio heaters and electric heaters, however, consume additional energy. The Greens are also calling for the ban on patio heaters to be suspended. "I'm not a fan of patio heaters, but in times of a pandemic you shouldn't be more papal than the Pope," said the Green economic politician Dieter Janecek the "Handelsblatt".