University restrictions have extended to include a ban on chips within Munich's academic district. This was unexpected, as some initially perceived it as a humorous prank.
In the heart of Munich's university district, a series of changes have been implemented by the KVR (Munich's City Administration Office) to address concerns about noise, trash, and disruptions at night.
The KVR has enforced rules that kiosks must stop selling chips after 8 p.m. and cease selling beer by 10 p.m. This is in response to complaints from local residents, as the Bavarian shop closing law requires stores to close by 8 p.m., but kiosks classified as "permit-free eateries" can sell limited items after that time, such as drinks, tobacco, and sweets. However, chips are explicitly excluded from this allowance. Gas stations are exempt from these restrictions as they sell "travel necessities," creating a contested double standard.
These rules particularly affect kiosks near Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich’s Maxvorstadt area, a lively district known for students and late-night activity. The restrictions aim to reduce late-night disturbances but have a significant impact on kiosk owners who rely heavily on sales during late hours.
Shivan Beseh, a kiosk owner on Schellingstraße, has been affected by these changes. He has incurred costs for a visual barrier (blinds) and fines for letters from the KVR, totaling approximately 450-550 euros. Beseh was previously selling chips from his kiosk after 8 pm, which was already illegal. Now, he must cover the chips so that customers no longer have the opportunity to purchase them.
The visual barrier was installed as part of new rules issued by the KVR to ensure more tranquility in the university district. The KVR has stated that goods that are not allowed to be sold after a certain time must be covered in the future to prevent their sale.
Beseh feels overwhelmed and has no strength left since receiving the first letter from the KVR a week ago. An online petition against the beer ban has been started, and Beseh is unsure if his business will remain profitable.
CSU member Thomas Schmid still considers the bans justified, but he wants to find suitable places for young people to celebrate in public spaces. Residents and Schmid had previously complained about noise and "Ballermann" (a German term for a lively party area) in the area. Schmid has written a city council proposal for the town hall, waste management department, police, and social institutions to search for such places to address the ongoing noise disputes, such as the one around Viktoriaplatz in Schwabing.
The KVR is now taking a closer look at other goods being sold by kiosks in the area. The cover is intended to remove the incentive to buy and clearly distinguish between permitted and non-permitted goods. The KVR's main concern is not the illegal sale of chips, but the "massive visitor influx" that comes with late-night activities.
[1] Source: [Local News Outlet]
- The new rules imposed by the KVR in Munich's university district have led small-business owners, such as Shivan Beseh, to incur financial difficulties due to fines and installation costs.
- The KVR's aim to reduce late-night disturbances in the university district has affected kiosk owners who sell food-and-drink items, including chips, beyond the stipulated hours.
- CSU member Thomas Schmid supports the bans, but he is exploring suitable public spaces for young people to celebrate, addressing residents' concerns about noise and disruptions.
