Begging bans near outdoor dining in German cities

In August 2026, Dortmund implemented a twelve-month pilot project banning all forms of begging, including silent solicitation, within a five-meter radius of outdoor dining areas. While some residents noted a quieter city center, legal expert Wolfgang Hecker questioned the legality of the measure, suggesting a blanket ban on silent begging might be legally vulnerable due to the scale of the affected areas.

By October, the debate over such restrictions expanded across North Rhine-Westphalia. In Düsseldorf, restaurateurs and representatives from Carlsplatz have called for similar protections, citing increased begging during evening hours that affects guests. While the hospitality community in Düsseldorf supports a ban, discussions have focused on negotiating the specific dimensions of potential buffer zones.

On October 16, Düsseldorf city officials introduced a draft ordinance for new street and green space regulations. Aiming for implementation in January 2027, the proposal would prohibit both active and passive begging—including sitting silently with a sign or cup—within a five-meter radius of outdoor dining establishments. This follows similar measures in Aachen and Essen, as well as Dortmund, where authorities have reported a “more relaxed atmosphere for businesses” despite issuing warnings and fines for violations.

The proposal has faced opposition from social workers and activists, who contend that these bans do not address the root causes of poverty and addiction but instead “merely displace them.” The Düsseldorf City Council is expected to vote on the measure in November, pending potential political compromises.