Ludwig takes action

A matter for the boss: more controls now!

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) with Markus Reiter (Neubau), Martin Fabisch (Josefstadt) and Markus Figl (City).

(Bild: Stadt Wien / Christian Jobst)

After three districts sounded the alarm about uncontrolled growth in pub gardens, Vienna's Mayor Ludwig has stepped up controls.

Now it happened quickly. Following the "Krone" report on the criticism of the three district heads from the City, Neubau and Josefstadt regarding all-year-round pub gardens, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) personally took up the matter. The criticism: some operators use the Schanigärten as storage areas and thus unnecessarily block public space.

Meeting arranged at short notice
Despite the current challenging domestic political situation, a face-to-face meeting was arranged within a few days. The first results have now been achieved. "Compliance with the rules is crucial for good coexistence in the city," emphasized Michael Ludwig after the meeting. The mayor emphasized the importance of the concerns of the district heads: "I take the concerns of the districts seriously. That's why it was important for me to come together quickly and discuss the situation."

Following the "Krone" report, Mayor Michael Ludwig invited the three district heads to a meeting at City Hall: the result: checks on pavement cafés will be stepped up.

(Bild: Spitzbart Wolfgang/Wolfgang Spitzbart .)

Controls will be tightened
The controls in the three particularly affected districts will now be stepped up. Ludwig spoke out clearly against the misuse of pub gardens: "Misappropriation of pub gardens as cheap storage space or misuse will not be tolerated here. The Vienna House Rules must be observed by everyone!"

Citizens can report violations
However, the operations team led by the Immediate Action Group has not been idle so far. So far, 3035 checks have been carried out across the city. There were 444 in the first district, followed by 362 in the seventh district and 186 in the eighth district. A total of 18 permits for pub gardens have been revoked, ten of them in the inner city alone.