Heating guest gardens in Vienna will be more expensive this winter. In addition to the increased energy prices, the rates for heating sponges are now also being increased. Wolfgang Binder, chairman of the Viennese coffee houses at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce (WKW), therefore expects a lower use of heat sources in the Viennese winter gastronomy.
Last week, the city of Vienna decided that terraces could remain open this winter. Anyone who operates a summer terrace in 2022 can use it on request until February 28, 2023. This is intended to secure the catering industry throughout the winter, despite the increasing number of corona infections.
In principle, radiant heaters can continue to use, the cabinet of alderman for Economic Affairs Peter Hanke (SPÖ) confirmed to the APA last week. However, only electricity can be used for heating instead of gas.
Almost double the cost
In addition to the increased electricity prices, the reimbursements for radiant heaters are now almost doubled. This is evident from the draft amendment to the Law on the Utility Tax of the City of Vienna. For example, from 1 January 2023, per four kilowatts of nominal connected capacity started, 120 euros must be paid for the heaters. Until now that was 62 euros for the same amount.
Heinz Pollischansky, head of the Centimeter restaurants, strongly criticized this. According to the Viennese restaurateur, the restaurants would in any case suffer from the rising prices, so that higher taxes would no longer be necessary.
No realistic alternatives
The director of Café Landtmann, Berndt Querfeld, wants to keep the terraces of his restaurants open next winter. Blankets will be used instead of the already installed radiant heaters, due to the immediate social discussion. However, Querfeld currently sees no other realistic alternatives to heating pads, other than blankets and lambskin.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
