Freising's night café operator Max Riemensperger welcomes the planned opening of the disco, but sees a shortcoming

How does the Freising disco operator Max Riemensperger view the planned easing?

And what is the holder of 2G?

He gives answers in the interview.

Freising

- No one has been slowed down by the pandemic for as long as discos and clubs: dance halls have been completely in lockdown since March 2020.

This also affects Max Riemensperger, operator of the night café in Freising.

Now, for the first time in the pandemic, there is a perspective for him on the part of politics.

As Prime Minister Markus Söder stated in his press conference on August 30th, clubs and discos should be able to reopen in October - for those who have been vaccinated, those who have recovered and visitors who have undergone a PCR test.

In the FT interview, Riemensperger reports what bothers him about the planned editions, what gives him hope, and how he survived the ultra-long lockdown.

Freisinger Tagblatt:

Mr. Riemensperger, the last disco evening in the night café was a long time ago.

Do you even remember it?

Max Riemensperger:

(

laughs

) Yes, very well actually.

It was a great evening.

The place was full, there was a boisterous party, and then it was all over in one fell swoop.

Now, 17 months later, the political decision has been made in the Free State that things can start again in October - after a safety margin with a view to returning travelers.

How did you take the decision?

Very benevolent.

For me it was a nice sign that people still remember us discotheque operators who have had to endure the longest since Corona.

I told my employees in the spring that we might be able to open again in October or November - if we're lucky.

Did you get any reactions after the Söder press conference?

The day after, my phone never stood still.

The people were totally euphoric, wanted to make a reservation right away or asked when they could do an event.

Unfortunately, I had to slow down because the conditions that affect us have not yet been finalized.

Freising disco operator: "It doesn't look so rosy for us in Bavaria"

How do you look at the requirements?

As it is currently planned in Bavaria, things are not looking so rosy for us.

Accordingly, the guests would have to wear a mask if the 1.5 meter distance rule is not adhered to.

But the mask might work well at the beginning of the night, then people really get into a party mood and it won't work anymore.

Ultimately, disco also means closeness.

Naturally.

People go to the disco to switch off, have fun and maybe meet someone.

And as a host, I don't want to reprimand people either.

That's why my premise is: I want to open as I closed.

And that should work too.

What gives you hope

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Max Riemensperger, operator of the night café in Freising: "It's nice that we are still remembered."

© FT archive

I spoke to colleagues from Berlin.

Things look different from what was planned in Bavaria.

There can be celebrated in the bar without distance and mask, if 2G is adhered to.

I would prefer, however, if everyone could also come with a PCR test.

That would be the best.

How would you, if necessary, face a 2G regulation - i.e. entry only for vaccinated and convalescent people?

In principle, we want to be able to accommodate everyone.

But if it comes down to 2G, so that we have to open, then everyone must understand that we will implement it that way.

Is the waiting time until October a problem for you?

We held out for so long that we will hold out for a few more weeks.

"Know colleagues who have fallen into a big hole"

How did you get through the ultra-long lockdown?

Fortunately, we had a flourishing business.

We were able to save ourselves reserves there.

Nevertheless, one has to say: it would not have been possible without the support of the state.

Fortunately, the help came at the right time.

I have also spoken to many colleagues who say that Corona set them back ten years.

Reserves that have been built up over this period have been completely used up.

Many are now starting from zero or even with a minus.

It is certainly also mentally hard when one is condemned to doing nothing.

Fortunately, I have enough fields of activity.

I always had work and I never got bored.

But I know colleagues who have fallen into a big hole.

There could also be bloodletting from the staff, or can you round up the old crew again after such a long time?

There are actually people who have worked for me for 20 years - with passion.

However, during the pandemic, some noticed that it is also nice to be at home with the family on weekends.

And of course there are also those who have been looking for a new job, because they need the additional income.

So I have to let myself be surprised who will be back at the start.

Will the audience change too?

I look forward to every new face.

Before the pandemic, however, we also had amazing regulars.

I do think I will see many of them again.

The feedback so far gives hope.

How do you imagine your first disco evening after the pandemic?

Like a big family celebration.

I think it gets pretty emotional for one or the other.

Also read:

After a long shivering game, the "Summer in the City" opened in Freising on Friday.

Visitors can look forward to a beautiful, airy park.

By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our new, regular Freising newsletter.