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03. 07. 12. - 16:11
Heatwave bad for some parts of gastronomy sector
The current heatwave in Austria is having a negative effect on some parts of the gastronomy sector in Austria.
The Chamber of Commerce claims those with no outside space are suffering most. Restaurants which do not have a garden or outside eating area are struggling to win over customers.
However restaurants in swimming pools and riverside areas are profiting from the heatwave as people head to the water to cool down.
Wilhelm Turecek from the Vienna Chamber of Commerce in the gastronomy section said: "People used to go out for a beer to cool down, but that is not so much the case any more. There is a trend towards non-alcoholic beverages. There are two reasons for this - increased traffic controls and a more health concious society.
"Hot weather is super for gastronomy in the swimming pools. But for those who do not have a garden or outside eating area - of which there are 5,000 in Vienna - are almost empty. Those who can afford it are using this time to go on holiday during the hot weather period."
Meanwhile a discussion about free drinking water has erupted. The Styria Chamber of Commerce suggests all establishments should be able to charge for tap water. The increase in the number of people drinking water makes it necessary for restaurants to charge to cover their costs.
William Tureck from the Vienna Chamber of Commerce said: "The discussion over charging for water is hotting up again. It is allowed to charge for a glass of water as long as it is listed in the drinks price list. It is usually around half the price of a glass of mineral water.
"However if a guest pays say 4.70 Euro for a coffee then a glass of water should be included. A glass of water itself does not cost much but it has to be taken into account that there are other costs involved such as service, glass and dishwasher costs."
