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Berlin fan mile at the 2006 World Cup: “Public interest in allowing exceptions”

Photo: A3518 Miguel Villagran/dpa

There is a quiet night in Germany from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The law is very strict.

Making noise and partying for longer is only possible with special permission, and that makes things complicated.

The federal government therefore wants to relax the regulations for the men's European Football Championship in Germany, which begins on June 14th.

Fan festivals and public viewing should be possible during the tournament until late at night.

However, the decision on approvals should still rest with the municipalities.

This emerges from a draft regulation from the Federal Environment Ministry, which SPIEGEL has received.

The cabinet is expected to initiate the regulation next week.

“Special regulations” required

“On the occasion of the 2024 European Football Championship, broadcasts of the European Championship games can be expected in many places on large screens in central squares or in places with good transport links,” says the paper.

The associated noise can pose a problem for people's sleep, especially in the evening and at night.

That is why “special regulations” are necessary.

Background: Of the 36 preliminary round games, nine don't start until 9 p.m.

There will be nine out of 15 games in the final round.

In its draft regulation, the government writes that in the case of 9 p.m. games it can be assumed "that participants in public viewing events will still be outside after 10 p.m. to exchange information about what is happening."

Reference is also made to the possibility of extra time and penalty shootouts: noise nuisance could extend “into the first hours of the night.”

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Environment Minister Lemke: “Public viewing until late in the evening”

Photo: Ann-Marie Utz/dpa

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) emphasized to SPIEGEL that they were looking forward to “a great major event in Germany.”

»With the public viewing regulation, we enable cities and municipalities to allow public viewing to take place until later in the evening.

I wish all fans a lot of anticipation – and a great tournament in the summer,” said the Environment Minister.

Check each individual case

However, the federal government is not planning any general exceptions for fan festivals and public viewing during the European Championship.

Each individual case should be examined.

“When setting operating hours, the protection of the neighborhood and the population’s interest in public outdoor television performances” must be weighed up against each other.

The public viewing regulation should apply until the end of July.

It is expressly not intended for private celebrations, such as football parties in apartments, gardens or on balconies.

Similar regulations also existed during the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup, as well as during the European Championship in 2008 and 2016.