Uproar shortly after the new takeover: open-air events at Cobenzl Castle in Vienna are too loud. The operator is aware of the problem, as are other restaurateurs in the city. On the other side are the noise-ridden neighbors.
Cobenzl Castle has had a new tenant since March: the DoN Group. While there were problems with the predecessor (cost-intensive renovation in which the city was involved as landlord, a surprising withdrawal), calm has returned to the new operator. But only in the short term: after only two months there is unrest again. This time it comes from neighbors complaining about the noise. The reason is the many (outdoor) events.
It was probably particularly bad on Ascension Day two weeks ago. “Loud party music was played outside until after 10 p.m.,” said Martin J. When he called the police, they told him they had already received several complaints from residents. “I also wonder whether this will disrupt nature in the area,” says J.
Organizer admits problems
The city does not want to comment on this, but the organizer does: “We have received a number of complaints by telephone about the event, which was held by an external organizer, so we as landlords are aware of the problems,” says a spokesperson. for the DoN group. An attempt will be made to move the party inside earlier next time, but according to the operator, permission is granted until 10 p.m.
Sunday rest is also a thing of the past for the residents with the event series ‘No Sunday without techno’.
This is how other restaurateurs deal with complaints
In summer there are several outdoor events in the city. How are the other operators doing? “There is always a neighbor who is angry,” says restaurateur Heinz Pollischansky, who will open the “Palais Freiluft” in the garden of Palais Auersperg this Saturday. The situation in the city center makes it even more difficult for him.
Complaints had already been received in advance, including about a sandbox that Pollischansky wanted to set up for younger guests. How does the experienced restaurateur deal with this? “I follow the rules and maintain good relations with the neighbors.”
Organizers must take this into account
The catering industry has had anything but an easy time in recent years. Lockdown and now the price is rising along with high energy costs. This leaves its mark on the sector. According to a current location analysis by KSV1870 and RegioPlan, locations in peripheral locations and around major cities are more likely to go bankrupt. In short: the chance of survival is greater when a lot happens. However, this means that conflicts with neighbors are almost inevitable.
What should a catering company take into account? Entrepreneurs require a business development permit for the location. The noise problem plays a particularly important role in urban, densely populated areas. This can be caused by devices, but also by guests.
“Immigrants have less protection”
“Structural or organizational measures must be taken to protect neighbors. The question is always whether guests for the restaurant are still part of the business premises. “In addition, neighbors who moved in later generally enjoy a lower level of protection,” a spokesperson for the Vienna Chamber of Commerce said in response to a “Krone” question.
Bars with longer opening hours in the city center in particular often omit outdoor areas with tables and armchairs. A well-known downtown restaurant was on the brink of closure a few years ago due to complaints from residents. With the help of the app, long queues at the door were finally contained – after previous losses in the high six-figure range.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
