Hamburg-Mitte is planning a rush for outdoor dining: focus on noise emissions!

Hamburg-Mitte is planning a rush for outdoor dining: focus on noise emissions!

In Hamburg, in the Mitte district, the signs point to change for outdoor dining. In response to the strict regulations that currently govern outdoor use, the district plans to reduce permitting bureaucracy. The aim is to enable more outdoor dining all year round. Outdoor dining is already permitted in the city center and at Hansaplatz, and additional areas could be added with the new regulations. The initiative raises hopes that the restaurant industry can thrive, but there are understandably challenges to consider. Complaints about noise and lack of space in popular trendy districts are not uncommon. According to NDR, a total of 12 citizens in Hamburg-Mitte spoke up about these topics in 2024, and in Altona there were even 34.

In this context, the Mitte district introduced a “night representative” who has already successfully mediated in St. Pauli. This new position will help regulate noise emissions and promote coexistence between residents and restaurants. Workshops are also planned in which both sides can exchange their concerns. The focus on collaborative solutions could be a real win for everyone involved.

Regulations by the SPD and the Greens

In addition, the SPD and the Greens in Hamburg have considered new regulations to limit nighttime noise in districts such as Sternschanze and Ottensen. A sound engineering study by the Altona district office showed that the permissible noise limits are sometimes exceeded by more than 30 decibels at night - and that's no small feat! During the day the values ​​were even 16 to 18 decibels above the permissible limit, which increases the pressure to take action. A catalog of demands has already been discussed in a district meeting that calls for comprehensive changes, including the revision of the Senate resolution that allowed longer operating hours for outdoor restaurants. The aim is to shorten opening hours to 10 p.m. and to regulate alcohol sales after this time.

However, the plans are met with resistance from parties such as the FDP, who warn against over-regulation and consider the measures to be impractical. The CDU also expresses a lack of understanding of the proposed changes. This shows how important it is to seek dialogue between the parties and find a viable solution. Taz reports that the SPD and the Greens, with a narrow majority in the district, are hoping for the positive chances of the new applications.

Regulations for catering establishments

Anyone who wants to work in outdoor catering must comply with numerous legal regulations. These are divided into four main categories, with pollution control being a central aspect. Night quiet times apply nationwide between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with clear maximum noise levels: 45 decibels are permitted for outdoor restaurants in urban areas and 50 decibels in commercial areas. Additionally, wind barriers should be used to minimize noise pollution.

But that's not all. Operators also need to pay attention to their blackout times. As a rule, outdoor areas must close between 10 p.m. and midnight, with the exact time being determined by the public order office. Anyone who wants to serve alcoholic drinks also needs a license and must provide various proofs. All of these regulations are intended to ensure that outdoor dining remains a positive experience for both consumers and neighbors. Further information can be found at [ Schirmherrschaft.de ](https://www. Schirmherrschaft.de/aussengastronomie-regulations-fuer-ihren-betrieb/).

The developments in Hamburg-Mitte and the planned reforms clearly show that the topic of outdoor dining in a city like Hamburg is by no means over. It will be exciting to see how the discussions develop and what solutions are ultimately found to find the balance between the needs of the catering industry and the needs of local residents.