Contentious Atmosphere
In a bid to maintain public safety and health, Düsseldorf has introduced a temporary ban on loitering and alcohol consumption in the Old Town and along the Rhine promenade. The ban, which is in effect until at least June 11, has been met with mixed reactions from political figures and local businesses.
The ban, which applies from 8 pm to 5 am on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the day before public holidays, and from 8 pm to 1 am on weekdays, is a response to the emergence of the so-called more infectious Indian virus variant. Dr. Klaus Goebels, the health department leader, emphasized that there is still an infection risk in a static, densely packed crowd.
Mayor Keller and Police President Norbert Wesseler agree that the special situation of the state capital requires more police presence. Rolf Tups, the CDU faction leader, and his deputy Andreas Hartnigk, have pressured the police and their superiors for a stronger police presence, especially on weekends and public holidays in the city center.
However, the ban does not affect people moving and wearing masks in the Old Town or on gastronomy terraces that operate with strong hygiene concepts. The city, police, and DEHOGA are united in their desire to ensure a corona-compliant and relaxed time in the Old Town's open areas of outdoor gastronomy.
Opposition to the ban comes from Düsseldorf's SPD chairman Oliver Schreiber, who criticizes the city's approach as "avoidable and conceptless." He accused Mayor Keller of creating a situation that should not have started. Schreiber's first sunny weekend in late February saw a planless response from Mayor Keller, according to him.
Access control to the Old Town, similar to controls during the glass ban, is deemed impractical and legally impossible. Exceptions to the ban are made for queues in front of retail stores, catering establishments, and other open facilities.
The Kö car parking area will be closed for the car scene on weekends and before public holidays. The ban on loitering and alcohol consumption in Düsseldorf's Old Town and Rhine promenade is a measure aimed at maintaining public safety, reducing alcohol-related health issues, and ensuring compliance with COVID-19 regulations. For precise information, local news sources or official announcements from Düsseldorf's authorities would be necessary.
The ban, which is part of Düsseldorf's response to the Indian virus variant, also aims to reduce alcohol-related health issues and ensure compliance with COVID-19 regulations. This measure has prompted discussions in the realm of politics, especially among political figures like Rolf Tups and Oliver Schreiber, who have expressed differing opinions about its implementation. The ban, however, doesn't affect individuals wearing masks in the Old Town or those on gastronomy terraces with strong hygiene concepts.
