Viennese restaurant struggles: New rules threaten to dismantle pub gardens!

Viennese restaurant struggles: New rules threaten to dismantle pub gardens!

The Viennese gastronomy scene is facing new challenges that are causing excitement, especially in the summer months. Due to recently introduced regulations, the Vietnamese restaurant “Banh Mi Hoi An” on Wiedner Hauptstrasse, which is particularly valued for its delicious food, has to deal with a noticeable decline in its outdoor seating. Instead of eight chairs on the terrace, the new regulations only allow four tables to be set up, which makes the already difficult economic situation even more difficult. Tam Tran, an employee at the restaurant, expressed concern: “The situation is difficult.”

These changes are part of a larger plan to regulate the pub gardens, which are approved by the municipal district offices and controlled by the municipal department 59. A direct result of the construction work on Wiedner Hauptstrasse is a noticeable decline in customers, which is putting additional pressure on the situation for many restaurateurs in the area. While “Banh Mi Hoi An” is fighting for its tables, Tam Tran reports on neighboring restaurants that are allowed to continue setting up their tables with impunity despite not complying with the minimum width requirements of 2.5 meters for sidewalks.

The bar gardens at a glance

The discussion about the pub gardens sheds light on the very special customs of the Viennese gastronomy scene. The bar gardens, i.e. the terraces located on public areas, cost something, while the classic outdoor dining areas on private property are usually free of charge. They are not allowed to have more than 75 administration places and have special regulations, for example not allowing cooking or grilling. Louder noise must be prevented in order to protect neighboring interests. Many restaurants have discovered the summer months as an important source of income, and not without reason, because the Schanigarten is a true oasis for many Viennese.

When we look at some of the most beautiful pub gardens in Vienna, places like Ulrichsplatz, Burggasse24 or Das Ulrich stand out with their inviting atmospheres. These places are known for their well-kept terraces and inviting decorations. However, the question remains as to how long such bar gardens can continue to exist in the current climate. “We rely on the support of our guests,” said Tam Tran, who wonders how the restaurant will survive in the future while some neighbors are already looking for a buyer.

Looking into the future

The wave of restrictions in the catering industry could become problematic for the diversity of Viennese restaurants. While the Schanigarten season officially begins at the beginning of March and normally ends at the end of November, the economic challenges should not be underestimated. Many local operators fear for their existence. Unlike outdoor dining areas, pub gardens require a fee-based permit, the rates of which can vary greatly depending on the location.

The coming months will determine whether the Vietnamese restaurant and many others in the city center will continue to thrive or whether they will suffer under the pressure of the new regulations and falling guest numbers. The restaurateurs depend on the help of the Viennese in order to overcome this phase and maintain the diversity of the gastronomic offering in the city.

You can find out more about the developments surrounding the pub gardens in Vienna in the reports from MyDistrict, 1000things and USP.