Cologne gastronomy groups call for uniform outdoor dining rules after court split

A recent court ruling in Cologne permits the Hallmackenreuther restaurant on Brüsseler Platz to serve outdoors until midnight, while neighboring eateries must close at 22:00. The disparity is seen by the local hospitality association, IG Kölner Gastro, as a competitive disadvantage, especially during summer evenings.

IG Kölner Gastro is demanding fair transitional arrangements and a moderated round‑table that includes representatives from politics, administration, residents and the gastronomy sector. The association warns that further individual lawsuits would increase legal costs and strain city resources, and it calls for clear political guidelines to provide planning certainty for all affected businesses.