Catering trade, special use permit for outdoor catering
If you want to use public areas for setting up outdoor catering (setting up tables, chairs and parasols for entertainment), you must first apply for a permit for special use. The permit is issued by notification to the applicant and can...
If you want to use public areas for setting up outdoor catering (setting up tables, chairs and parasols for entertainment), you must first apply for a permit for special use. The permit is issued by notification to the applicant and can be provided with requirements, conditions and time limits. Whether and with what ancillary provisions the permit is granted is at the dutiful discretion of the authority.
Important notes
Prerequisites
- No restriction of traffic safety and no disproportionate impairment of the ease of traffic
- No disproportionate restriction on public use or exclusion for a disproportionate period of time
- No disproportionate impairment of road components, road construction measures, the surroundings or the environment, urban planning or other public concerns, including the generation of income from the use of the road or public and private rights of third parties
- There must already be a bar area inside your establishment. The outdoor catering area must not be larger than the taproom area
Documents required
- Application (informal, application form or via inline service "Apply for outdoor catering")
- true-to-scale site plan,
- Information on the location, type and duration of the special use as well as the size of the pavement areas applied for and information on the remaining pavement width
Please note
Any use of the public street space that goes beyond common use or restricts it represents special use. It requires the permission of the approval authority and is subject to a fee. It is granted for a limited period and is subject to revocation and contains ancillary provisions
The use of the outdoor catering area is only permitted in front of one's own business, i.e. the use may not extend to the front of neighboring businesses.
A residual pavement width of between 1.50 m and 2.50 m should remain. The remaining sidewalk width depends on the respective location.
If you operate a restaurant business that requires a permit, the existing restaurant permit for outdoor catering must be extended
The installation of patio heaters and so-called customer stoppers (menus / standing boards) is not permitted.
Please also use the online service "Apply for outdoor catering" in the Forms, Services and Links area.
See links for discrepancies in Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and design guides
Deadlines
The special use must be applied for in writing annually, at the latest 6-8 weeks before the planned installation date
Procedure & Fees
Processing time
Processing time approx. 6 - 8 weeks.
Fees
See the following link https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-WegeBenGebOHA1994rahmen
If necessary, please inquire by phone
Legal notes
Legal basis
- Section 19 (1) of the Hamburg Roads Act (HWG).
- Fee schedule for the administration and use of public roads, green spaces and recreational facilities.
Downloads & Links
Forms and downloads
- Design guide for outdoor catering Dalmannkai
- Design guidelines for Überseequartier
- Form: Application for a permit for special use of public roads, PDF, 24 KB, 2 pages
- Information for applicants for outdoor catering on public paths
- Information for outdoor catering on public paths - Dalmannkai, Kaiserkai and places
Related services
Links on hamburg.de
Find out your responsible facility
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Last updated: 29.11.2023