Football World Cup: Saxony-Anhalt opts for pubs over large public viewings

MDR Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk reports that in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, public viewings for the FIFA World Cup will be concentrated in pubs and bars, eschewing large outdoor events. Local authorities are establishing specific regulations for these gatherings.

With the tournament's kickoff imminent, thousands of people are expected to follow Germany's matches and other games in various venues across the state. While grand public viewing events that previously drew thousands of fans are not planned for Saxony-Anhalt, supporters can still gather in numerous restaurants and cultural centers to watch the games.

Saxony-Anhalt has introduced temporary exceptions to its usual night-time quiet hours, which typically begin at 10 PM, to accommodate outdoor broadcasts. Specifically, the city of Halle has permitted beer gardens and outdoor restaurant areas to screen matches commencing no later than 10 PM. In contrast, cities like Magdeburg have not yet issued similar general decrees, requiring organizers of outdoor events to seek permits in advance.

Furthermore, restaurants must adhere to regulations under trade and hospitality laws. Those wishing to broadcast matches outdoors after 10 PM must coordinate with local public order offices, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. Outdoor areas generally have a closing time of 1 AM.

The city of Halle has also enhanced security measures along the "Kleine Ulrichstraße," a popular street lined with pubs. Mobile barriers have been installed to prevent vehicle access during match times, aiming to mitigate the risk of targeted attacks at public viewing events. However, these measures have drawn criticism from publicans who claim insufficient communication.