At its meeting today, Chemnitz City Council decided that alcohol consumption will be banned on Thomas-Mann-Platz in future. The aim of the new police order is to better protect children and young people from alcohol-related dangers in public spaces.
The ban covers the area of Thomas-Mann-Platz, including the neighbouring green space between August-Bebel-Straße 17 and Thomas-Mann-Platz 2a. In future, it will be prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages or to carry alcoholic beverages for consumption from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm. Authorised outdoor catering areas are exempt.
The decision is based on extensive observations and analyses of the local situation. The area around Thomas-Mann-Platz has been increasingly perceived as a meeting place for a drinking scene for several years. Citizens, local residents and organisations had repeatedly pointed out alcohol-related disturbances. Among other things, harassment of passers-by, soiling of the green space and conflicts of use on seating areas were mentioned.
The immediate proximity to the music school on Thomas-Mann-Platz, which is mainly attended by children and young people, is of particular importance. According to the Saxon Police Authorities Act, local authorities can issue alcohol consumption bans in such areas if alcohol-related disturbances are typically to be expected.
The city of Chemnitz had previously investigated the area intensively over several months. Checks and analyses confirmed the existing problems. Measures that had already been implemented, such as increased controls or changes to the design of the green space, did not lead to a lasting improvement in the situation.
The new police ordinance comes into force the day after it is published in the Chemnitz official gazette. Prior to this, it still requires the approval of the State Directorate of Saxony. Violations can be punished with a fine as an administrative offence. Exceptions may be authorised in special cases, for example for events.
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