Viennese landlady in court: free drinks or best-to-element?

Viennese landlady in court: free drinks or best-to-element?

In the Floridsdorf district of Vienna, a court trial causes excitement: a 60-year-old landlady stands before the regional court on suspicion of the bribes. The incident occurred on April 27, 2025, when the landlady made a tempting offer in a Facebook post: five free drinks for customers who show a photo of their electoral cross for the FPÖ, reported vienna.at

The accused is committed to their offer, but denies the intention of voter bribes. Defender Wolf-Georg Schärf argues that the landlady did not act with the intention of influencing voters. In her defense statement, the landlady refers to a lack of judicature on this topic, which underlines the complex legal situation. According to the Criminal Code (StGB), the possible punishments for voters are significant; There are a prison sentence for up to a year of imprisonment or fines of up to 720 daily rates, such as ris.bka.gv.at informed.

a lot of hustle and bustle for a simple offer

In the Facebook post, the landlady also points out that the drinks are cool and also offered food, which indicates a sociable ambience. Such offers could be common practice in gastronomy, but this is the legal problem. Voting briefing in Austria can be taken very seriously in accordance with Section 263 of the Criminal Code. The paragraph deals with delusions in elections and referendums and provides sensitive punishments for corresponding violations.

A free host who has a good hand for his regular customers could certainly get into dangerous fairway through such actions. The current debate about these topics shows how sensitive the connection between gastronomy and politics in Austria is. These days are being discussed more and more about the boundaries of legal practices, while the landlady hoped for good business and possibly lost sight of the legal framework.

a process with signal effect

The process that is now being highlighted at the Vienna Regional Court could have far -reaching consequences. As experience shows, the interest in bribes and the associated laws among the population is great. The topic arouses emotions and raises questions that could also affect legislation. The impending punishments and uncertainty on how such cases will be treated in the future are hotly discussed both in catering circles and in the political scene.

As is going on in Floridsdorf, many other landlades will also be interested in the city, after all, such a case could go to school. It remains to be seen whether the process will prove to be a deterrent example. One thing is certain: the Viennese landlady focused on the topic of voter influence through gastronomy and the public will look closely.