The new regulation distinguishes clubs from amusement and adult entertainment facilities. Industry representatives hope this will revive the struggling club scene, which suffers from rising rents, social change, and noise disputes.
Marc Wohlrabe, a long-time lobbyist for the night-time economy and board member of the Federal Association of Music Venues in Germany, called the change a “historic moment” for German club culture. He criticized that existing regulations date back to the last century and placed everything happening at night in a “seedy” corner. “The club owners we represent work more like a theater—they curate artists, promote young talent, and deserve to be recognized as cultural centers alongside opera, theater, and high culture,” Wohlrabe told Guardian.
The new ordinance makes it harder for investors to displace club operators in favor of new buildings. Additionally, clubs will be allowed to operate in certain residential areas. The law still needs to be passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, but due to broad support from all factions, approval is considered likely.
The industry hopes the new regulation can slow the so-called club dying, which has been particularly noticeable in Berlin in recent years. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, numerous alternative venues had emerged on vacant lots and in abandoned industrial plants.
EuroPulse reported on May 29 about the debate on a possible chancellor swap, which Merz called a “side debate” (link).
Source: www.theguardian.com
