Rules to be enacted in accordance with the recently established guidelines.
In an effort to boost entrepreneurship and alleviate administrative burdens, the federal state of Baden-Württemberg has proposed a simplified licensing process for bars, cafés, and restaurants. This move is part of a broader initiative to support the struggling gastronomy sector, which has been under economic pressure due to the pandemic and subsequent adjustments in opening hours and offerings.
Key Changes and Steps ---------------------
The proposed reform adopts a "one-stop shop" approach, where prospective owners submit a single application that is then distributed to all relevant authorities, such as building inspection, food safety, fire protection, and the health authority. This streamlined process reduces the need for multiple visits to different offices and significantly cuts down on paperwork and time.
Digital applications have become increasingly common, further speeding up the process and providing clearer guidance and tracking for applicants. Authorities are also encouraged to provide clear checklists and standardized forms for common types of establishments, reducing uncertainty and unnecessary back-and-forth.
Pre-application consulting and streamlined inspections are also part of the reform, helping founders understand what permissions, documents, and modifications are needed before investing in a location and scheduling inspections more efficiently.
Impact on Founders and the Industry ------------------------------------
The simplified process is designed primarily for the typical small café, bar, or restaurant. By reducing the administrative burden, the state aims to encourage thousands of new founders each year, especially those without prior experience in dealing with German bureaucracy.
However, complex cases and unusual concepts or locations may still face a more complex process. Implementation can also vary by municipality, though the state is working to standardize procedures across the region. Compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards remains strict, ensuring the well-being of customers and employees.
The potential effects of the changes in the Hospitality Act could impact thousands of founders each year, considering that Baden-Württemberg sees an average of 6,200 business registrations annually. This reform is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the struggling gastronomy sector in southwestern Germany.
- To further stimulate the gastronomy sector, the state of Baden-Württemberg proposes an economic and social policy reform that simplifies licensing procedures for businesses like bars, cafés, and restaurants, which is part of a broader initiative to support the industry financially.
- The new licensing process, including digital applications, pre-application consulting, and streamlined inspections, aims to make entrepreneurship within the gastronomy sector more accessible by reducing administrative burdens and time, thereby encouraging new business registrations and relieving financial pressure on the industry.
