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Smoking emergency in Cologne: Restaurateurs rely on new filter systems!
Residents on Weidengasse complain about the smell of barbecue; Restaurateurs are investing in filters and demanding city support.
Smoking emergency in Cologne: Restaurateurs rely on new filter systems!
In Cologne, especially on Weidengasse, the dispute over the odor nuisance emanating from grill restaurants has been simmering for a long time. Residents and the citizens' association complained about unpleasant clouds of smoke, which not only severely impaired their sense of smell, but also their daily life. The pressure on the catering industry is enormous, as Rundschau Online reports.
The owners of the grill restaurants, including Mehmet Harmanci from “Doy Doy Palast” and Salih Dag from Mangal Restaurant, have dealt intensively with the situation and invested in new filter systems. Around 25,000 euros were initially invested in the technology, and a further 50,000 euros were later made available. There was great hope that these facilities would significantly reduce the odor nuisance.
Improvements and challenges
But the reality turned out to be tricky. A report by an odor expert and a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics showed that the filters installed were only able to remove a maximum of 30% of unwanted smells. Organized citizens' initiatives and Cologne politicians, such as Serap Güler and Florian Weber from the CDU, support the innkeepers, but the nature of the odor emissions remains an ongoing problem. Residents who have been demanding relief through effective filters on charcoal grills for years are particularly affected.
A year after the filter systems were installed, the wave of lawsuits had already started rolling. A grill operator was sued for an injunction and there were calls for the grills to be shut down immediately. One resident described the situation as “oppressive” and reported negative effects on her elderly parents. Concerns about respiratory diseases, particularly among children, which are exacerbated by barbecue smoke, are increasing the pressure on the catering industry to take action.
Joint efforts and outlook
Despite the challenges, the catering industry and residents also come together - they form a community of interests to discuss their concerns and find solutions. A noticeable decrease in odor pollution has been noted since May 1, 2025. Many residents are positive about the progress and the new filter systems, even if the complaints have not been completely eliminated.
As part of a larger business approach, other restaurants in the region should also think about environmental protection. A new guide for the hotel and catering industry on the subject of environmental protection could be useful here. Tips are offered for reducing energy consumption and improving waste management, as recommended by the Umweltpakt Bayern.
The situation on Weidengasse remains tense, but steps in the right direction are already visible. The planned street festival should not only be a new approach to harmonious coexistence, but also a sign that everyone involved is working on a solution. The Cologne restaurateurs hope that their efforts will pay off and that they will soon be seen as trustworthy neighbors again.