Frankfurt restaurateurs face terrace enforcement in Bahnhofsviertel

Restaurants in the Frankfurt Bahnhofsviertel district, specifically along Kaiserstraße, are facing enforcement actions from the Office for Road Construction and Development (ASE) regarding their outdoor dining areas. Authorities have issued warnings and orders for businesses to reduce the size of their terraces or modify their structures, citing unauthorized use of space and potential obstructions for pedestrians and individuals with disabilities.

Local business owners, such as Karn Gill of the restaurant Eat Doori, have expressed concerns that these regulations conflict with safety needs in a high-crime area. Gill noted that solid terrace borders are necessary to protect guests and staff from aggressive panhandling and drug-related incidents. While some owners have complied by adding gaps to their terrace enclosures to ensure passage, there are fears that reduced enclosures will decrease customer acceptance and security.

Critics argue that the strict enforcement of regulations by the ASE and the Ordnungsamt ignores the unique challenges of the Bahnhofsviertel. There are calls for the city to establish a