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German city calls for cap on doner shops

German city calls for cap on doner shops German President Frank Walter Steinmeier serves doner to guests at the summer residence of the German Embassy in Tarabya, Istanbul, Türkiye April 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Jun 6, 2024 10:32 AM

In the run-up to the municipal council election in Germany on June 9, the Heilbronn Christian Democrats (CDU) are advocating for a cap on doner shops in the city center, citing concerns over a disproportionate increase in kebab stalls, barbershops and nail salons.

German city calls for cap on doner shops
Germany’s Heilbronn Christian Democrats parliamentary group leader Thomas Randecker smiles for a photograph. (CDU Heilbronn Photo)

Healthy Business Mix

Thomas Randecker, the 52-year-old faction leader of the CDU, emphasized the party’s vision for an attractive city center with a balanced mix of businesses.

“We want an attractive city center with a healthy mix of businesses. That doesn’t work if more and more retail stores are being replaced by Doner shops and the like,” Randecker told German tabloid BILD.

Over saturation of doner shops

Currently, about a dozen Turkish snack bars are operating within an 800-meter stretch in Heilbronn. This concentration has even raised concerns among local business owners.

German city calls for cap on doner shops
Kebab shop owner Zeynep Acar, 45, supports the CDU’s initiative, Germany. (Thomas Niedermueller/BILD)

Zeynep Acar, the 45-year-old owner of Bam Bam Keb’up, stated, “I don’t think it’s okay if new Doner shops are constantly being approved. It doesn’t do a city any good.”

Regulatory measures

Randecker countered criticism by highlighting studies that support the regulation of such businesses. He asserted that through such regulations, the city can control the establishment of kebab grills and barbershops.

“We reject the idea that such shops cannibalize each other and dominate entire neighborhoods. Concentration is desired for car dealerships and furniture stores, but certainly not for kebab shops,” he explained.

German city calls for cap on doner shops
A dozen kebab grills vie for customers in Heilbronn city center, Germany. (Thomas Niedermueller/BILD)

Political opposition

The CDU’s stance has met with opposition from their political rivals. The Heilbronn SPD, represented by faction leader Rainer Hinderer, questioned the CDU’s market intervention approach.

“Of course, the people of Heilbronn want a mixed offering. But the alternative to Doner shops, barbershops, and the like is often vacancy. That can’t be the goal,” Hinderer told the Stuttgarter Zeitung.

As the debate continues, the outcome of the upcoming municipal council election may determine the future landscape of Heilbronn’s city center.

Last Updated:  Jun 6, 2024 3:36 PM