By Gunnar Schupelius
Cultural workers, innkeepers and organizers do not get any planning security for the fall. The new corona unrest emanating from the government is poison for an industry that is only slowly recovering, says Gunnar Schupelius.
After a two-year Corona break, the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (DEHOGA) held another summer party on Monday.
The worrying topic of the beautiful evening was autumn: will we still be able to bear the energy costs or will we go broke? Will masks and tests be compulsory and distance rules to drive away guests and customers again?
Berlin’s DEHOGA President Christian Andresen addressed the Governing Mayor: “Please ensure that there will be no new restrictions!” For this he received sustained applause.
Economics Senator Stephan Schwarz (independent) stood in the audience and applauded. But Franziska Giffey made no promises. “There must not be a new lockdown,” she said in her speech. That’s all. And she spoke of the fact that “the problems will be tackled together in the fall”.
The restaurateurs and hoteliers concluded that politicians will not make decisions over their heads again, as happened in 2020 and 2021, but only after joint consultation.
They cling to this hope and yet they are already feeling the damage that is being caused at the highest level: Since the federal government, in the form of Health Minister Lauterbach (SPD), has been painting the devil on the wall again and warning of terrible corona scenarios, the expected turnover has collapsed a.
October 1st, when new corona measures could be prescribed, is considered a date of horror in the industry. Behind it it goes down: Birthday parties, goose dinners and parties are canceled in rows. After October 1st, one of the largest stages in Berlin recorded only half the number of pre-orders in ticket sales.
“People are tired of masks, distances and tests, so they’d rather stay at home,” said an organizer who wished to remain anonymous.
The situation is particularly tense for five reasons. Firstly, because many companies only found their way out of the crisis with difficulty this summer. Secondly, there is no longer any government corona aid, thirdly, staff is scarce and expensive. Fourth, energy costs have increased by up to 400 percent. Fifth, the neighboring countries have decided to end all corona measures.
If only Germany starts doing it again, the tourists will avoid Berlin, this concern is driving the industry.
It is extremely likely that the corona virus will no longer pose a significant risk. The excitement that is nevertheless generated by a Mr. Lauterbach has no scientific basis.
It would be up to the Senate to put a stop to this hysteria and give innkeepers, hoteliers and cultural workers planning security. That’s what they need.
Is Gunnar Schupelius right? Call: 030/2591 73153 or email: [email protected]