Support for Jena's gastronomy
Eating out, having a drink, enjoying Jena's pub life - this has no longer been possible in recent weeks. An inconvenience for some - but a situation that threatens the existence of Jena's restaurateurs. The city council now wants to mitigate the consequences of the two-month closures with a number of measures.
Jena as a lively and vibrant city is inconceivable without restaurants. We all enjoy Jena's cozy pubs and restaurants. That is why it is important for us to support our restaurateurs,
said Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.
He thanked JenaKultur and JenaWirtschaft in particular, who have held many discussions with the restaurants in recent weeks and are supporting the implementation of the measures.
Mayor Christian Gerlitz is hoping for support from Jena's politicians:
The developments of the corona pandemic have demanded a lot from all of us in recent months, but Jena's gastronomy sector has been hit particularly hard by the corona crisis. That is why it is important for us to help where the city can. We will propose a resolution to the city council on special usage fees to relieve the burden on restaurateurs.
Our offer to open up additional municipal areas for outdoor catering, to waive part of the special usage fee and to extend the serving times is intended to help catering businesses to restart after the lockdown,
emphasized the chairman of the Jena crisis team and head of the security department Benjamin Koppe.
The following measures will be taken for restaurants:
- More outdoor space for restaurants: Where additional outdoor catering is possible, this will also be implemented.
- Reduction of the special usage fee: The administration will propose to the city council that the fee for outdoor catering areas be reduced by 50%. This is to apply until the end of September 2020.
- Evening operation in summer: Despite the cancellation of the Kulturarena Jena, restaurateurs in the city center will be allowed to operate outdoor catering until midnight in July and August.