"Discord within the Uniquartile community over KVR measures: critiques expressed"
In a move aimed at reducing noise disturbances for local residents, Munich's university district has introduced a ban on the sale of potato chips after 8 PM and bottled beer after 10 PM at kiosks. This decision has led to the requirement that chip shelves be covered in the evening [1][2][3].
The restriction on chips is primarily due to the loud crunching sounds they produce, which have resulted in complaints from neighbours [3][5]. However, this measure has sparked criticism, particularly from students and local residents who argue that it unnecessarily restricts sociability and nightlife culture in the area. Many see it as a commercial and social pressure that limits the informal social interactions typically centered around late-night snacks and drinks [2].
The new regulation, which also includes covering chip shelves, has been met with resistance. Critics claim that it is overly restrictive on social life, and some have even labelled it as a commercial pressure on kiosks and students [2]. The initiative "More Noise for Munich" sees the need for places where people can gather without commercial pressure [6].
The ban on chips and late-night beer sales is a result of the Bavarian Shop Closing Act, which stipulates that shops generally close at 8 PM. Chips do not fall into the privileged range of goods that can be sold later [7]. The operators of late-night shops in Munich's university district are suffering due to the regulation [8].
The criticism extends beyond the perceived commercial pressure, with some arguing that the city is criminalizing spontaneous togetherness. The initiative claims that there are few places in Munich where people can gather without commercial pressure [6]. Spokesperson Richter demands places for sociability and social noise without commercial pressure [9].
The implementation of such places remains uncertain, but the initiative has been demanding them for years, to no avail [10]. The initiative does not blame the kiosks for the problems but rather the lack of places for spontaneous gatherings in Munich [11].
One example cited by the initiative is Oktoberfest, where no restrictions are placed on beer consumption despite issues like dirt and urine in parking garages [12]. The criticism reads that instead of creating solutions, the city is turning sociability into an order problem [13].
As of 8 PM, kiosks in Munich's university district no longer sell chips [4]. From 10 PM, no more bottled beer can be sold in these kiosks [4]. The debate over this local regulation continues, with many questioning its impact on university social environments and the balance between community peace and nightlife activities [2].
