Munich bars ban Oktoberfest dress to preserve their atmosphere

Some Munich bars are turning away guests wearing traditional Bavarian clothing during Oktoberfest, saying the rules help protect their atmosphere and keep guests safe, BR reports.

At Gebrüder Keller und Erben, in the Gärtnerplatzviertel district, a crossed-out pair of lederhosen has appeared on the door for the first time this year. Owner Florian Keller says traditional dress has become a sign of behaviour that can include lower spending, harassment of other customers and, in the worst cases, guests vomiting in the bar.

The Café Kosmos has had a “No Lederhosen, no Dirndl” rule for about 20 years. Door staff member Anton Torwart, 22, turns away some Oktoberfest visitors and directs them to the Bufet, another venue run by the same owner, where there is more space for festival-goers and regular customers to keep apart. One woman turned away said bars should focus on whether customers are very drunk rather than what they are wearing.

Long-time bouncer Norbert said the rule at Café Kosmos was initially met with negative reactions. He recalled guests vomiting inside and damaging toilet bowls. The Loretta Bar, Club Strom and Goldene Bar also describe themselves as traditional-dress-free zones.

Other venues reject clothing-based rules. At Bar Rendezvous near Sendlinger Tor, DJ Jörg Olsson said excluding people for wearing traditional dress or sportswear would not be hospitable. At the Cucurucu Bar near the main station, however, owner Tobias Tzschaschel says a ban helps preserve the small bar’s calm atmosphere and makes it easier to prevent vomiting, groping and fights. He said he has nothing against traditional dress and would like to attend Oktoberfest himself.

Bars that ban traditional dress remain the exception in Munich. Most welcome Oktoberfest visitors, and the Cucurucu Bar says it is noticeably quieter during the festival.