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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
