Bregenz kiosk closes after dispute over outdoor seating

A kiosk in Bregenz has closed after disputes with neighbours over outdoor seating, ORF reported. Conflicts between food-service businesses and residents have become more frequent in recent times, as some residents seek peace while businesses aim to create a lively atmosphere.

Mike Pansi, spokesperson for the gastronomy sector in Vorarlberg, said protecting residents was important, but so were the legitimate concerns of businesses. Living near a food-service establishment came with a certain level of noise, he said, adding that businesses acted responsibly and tried to stay within the legal framework.

The dispute at Kiosk International on Belruptstraße began after operators Rahel Schoenthal and Roland Lang put a few tables and chairs outside the kiosk, where they were available until 8 p.m. The couple had envisioned a kiosk where neighbours could meet, Schoenthal said, but had concluded that some residents in the building did not want the arrangement and that there was no viable future for the business at that location.

Lang said a small group of neighbours had repeatedly opposed chairs, seats and standing tables outside the building. The operators have now decided to close and redirect their energy towards something positive, Schoenthal said.

The Chamber of Commerce is calling for changes to the law to define more precisely what food-service businesses may do, particularly in town and city centres. Pansi said lively centres and efforts to combat vacant premises depended on businesses willing to take on such challenges.