Gastronomy calls for understanding for violations of the multiple-use obligation: "Bashing of an industry"

Environmentalists accuse several catering chains of not complying with the new reusable duty.

The head of the gastronomy association reacts to the criticism.

Hanover – After environmentalists criticized the lack of reusable options in the catering industry, the industry demanded more understanding for its difficult situation.

"It is undisputed that there is still a need for improvement and clarification," said the head of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), Ingrid Hartges, the

(RND).

There are also "many unanswered questions".

Dehoga boss on violations of the obligation to return: Complaints are not productive

However, the industry has been in crisis mode for three years.

In view of this, the Dehoga boss expects "understanding for some implementation deficits that still exist." She is of the opinion: "Bashing an industry and lawsuits against individual companies will definitely not get us anywhere."

We won't get any further with lawsuits against individual companies.

Ingrid Hartges, Dehoga boss

The German Environmental Aid (DUH) had previously announced that it had initiated legal proceedings against catering chains that violated the obligation to offer reusable food and drinks, which has been in force since January 1st.

According to the DUH, it made 35 test visits to 16 large restaurant chains and discovered violations in more than every third visit.

These are the new reusable rules

Since January 1, catering establishments in Germany that offer take-away food and drinks have had to have a reusable option ready.

There are different requirements for food and drinks.

According to the law, companies that do not fulfill their obligations face fines of up to 10,000 euros.

Reusable duty: guidelines should bring clarity

Hartges told the

that it was still unclear what type of packaging would fall within the scope.

"For legal clarity and legal certainty, we urgently await the guidelines that are currently being developed by experts from the federal and state governments and that have been announced for February," she said.

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In the bakery: Many catering establishments do not yet comply with the applicable reusable packaging requirement.

© Mohssen Assanimoghaddam/dpa

She also made it clear: “Questions about securing livelihoods had and still have priority.” The high costs of energy, food and staff are now added to the consequences of the corona pandemic.

The sales of the companies are still well below the pre-crisis level.

List of rubrics: © Mohssen Assanimoghaddam/dpa