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Innsbruck – The mix and the mood is difficult: the increase in the number of infections and the decrease in discipline at an advanced hour in bars and pubs, when it comes to hygiene measures, do not make it easy for the responsible. Tirol wants to present itself as a “safe holiday destination” in preparation for the winter season, which is already difficult due to the Crown. Rising infections are not a publicity argument, although so far tourism has been little or minimally affected by infections. However: Tirol, Vorarlberg and Salzburg have agreed to advance the curfew in restaurants until 10pm for a limited period of three weeks.
The Chamber of Commerce reluctantly agreed. “We are not happy about that, but we have to act now so that we can lay the groundwork for winter. No travel warnings, because they would be catastrophic. Of course, and I can understand that, the owners and the hotel industry see it differently. “says Speaker of the House Christoph Walser. So now bite down for the winter season. LH Günther Platter also regrets that already abused restaurateurs and restaurant operators are being restricted again.
“The temporary measure is necessary to re-control the health situation and to start a good autumn and winter.” More than 50 new infections a day is too many. The Mayor of Innsbruck, Georg Willi (Greens), welcomes the previous curfew. This is not attractive to anyone, but it is an important sign of the seriousness of the situation.
📽️ Video | Previous curfew in western Austria:
Furthermore, following the example of Germany, guests must also register at restaurants. Tracking can be made more efficient in this way, and management is eased, Platter and Walser note.
“This is the end of many restaurants”
Christian Harisch, one of the largest tourism companies in the Tyrol with twelve companies, believes that “it is right to pull the emergency brake now and shorten the curfew.” Harisch had rebelled against previous curfew restrictions. Without a reduction in the number of infections, the entire winter season would be in jeopardy, according to Harisch. Innsbruck Tourismus board member and hotelier August Penz see a completely different vision. He is stunned. “This is the end of many restaurants that families, employees and livelihoods are joining.”
For Penz, this is a “panic decision.” This regulation is completely incomprehensible and an expression of helplessness. “Why should restaurateurs send our guests, who are seated at a sufficient distance from each other in restaurants, in the hotel bar or in the guest gardens, home at 9:59 pm?” He asks. Penz. In any case, Penz knows there is a lot of anger and rage in the industry for responsible politicians. And: “People no longer allow themselves to be locked up. Boys in particular go home and keep celebrating uncontrollably. So the damage is really great,” says Penz with conviction.
Criticisms of FPÖ and SPÖ
There are also criticisms of the FPÖ. This undifferentiated action by the governors of the ÖVP and the “step over the top” in all districts exacerbate the already tense situation in the catering industry, criticizes the FPÖ tourism spokesman, NR Gerald Hauser. The leader of the SPÖ, Georg Dornauer, also fears existential threats. Once again, ask for the introduction of so-called gastro vouchers. (pn, mw, dd)
