Franconian Beer Message Board
pubs converting into clubs |
| Posted by Nick B. on 2008-03-12 06:03:32 |
| Indeed! I was premature in praising how brave the legislature was in implementing the country's strictest Rauchverbot in Bavaria. I didn't realize then that a place could transform into a "club" and continue operating; I thought that the exemption for "geschlossene Gesellschafts" meant that a place could be closed for a private function, during which smoking would be allowed. Bommel in Erlangen, a rare place which rotates at least one draught beer from the small countryside breweries, has set up a seperate, enclosed room in the back, to which entrance is restricted to members of their club, for example. Okay, that's not necessarily so bad, but the owners also appear to be "closing" the regular pub early so that they can smoke there too. Meh, they'd rather smoke than have my better half & me come in--so be it. Off we go to the Irish pub for a nice pint o' Beamish instead. There've been protests, with people taking to the Marktplatz carrying signs bemoaning the "discrimination" against smokers (ha!) and what-not. And even better: the conservative ruling party in Bavaria are now claiming that the 10% loss in certain cities (Erlangen, N-berg, München) they suffered in the election a week ago is a direct result of the Rauchverbot, and so they plan to rescind the ban on smoking in fest tents like at the Oktoberfest, the N-berger springfest, etc.! Or at least postpone implementing the ban for a year or two. It's ridiculous. The letters to the editor have been entertaining though. It is turning out to be a bit of a sham. I wouldn't be surprised if the loopholes end up getting tightened though. |
| Followups: |
 pubs converting into clubs by Peter Alexander on 2008-04-07 06:41:56 |