Smoke emergency in Cologne: restaurateurs rely on new filter systems!

Smoke emergency in Cologne: restaurateurs rely on new filter systems!

in Cologne, especially on Weidengasse, the dispute over the odor nuisance that comes from grill restaurants for a long time. Local residents and the citizens' association complained of unpleasant swaths of smoke, which not only affected the sense of smell, but also daily life. The pressure on the gastronomy is enormous, such as Rundschau Online reports.

The owners of the grill restaurants, including Mehmet Harmanci from the "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 flowed into the technology first, later another 50,000 euros were provided. The hope was great that these facilities would reduce the odor nuisance significantly.

improvements and challenges

But reality turned out to be tricky. An expert opinion of a odor expert and an investigation by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics showed that the installed filters could only remove a maximum of 30% of the unloved smells. Organized citizens' initiative and Cologne politician, such as Serap Güler and Florian Weber from the CDU, support the hosts, but the barrel of odor emissions remains a persistent problem. Residents are particularly affected that have been relieved by effective filters on the charcoal grills for years.

One year after the filter systems were installed, the wave of lawsuits had already started. A grill operator was sued and claims for immediate shutdown of the grills were loud. A resident described the situation as "overwhelming" and reported negative effects on her elderly parents. The concern for respiratory diseases, especially in children who are tightened by the grill smoke, increases the pressure to act on gastronomy.

joint efforts and outlook

Despite the challenges, the gastronomy and residents also come together - they found a community of interests to discuss their concerns together and find solutions. Since May 1, 2025, a noticeable decline in odor load has been determined. Many residents express themselves positively about the progress and the new filter systems, even if the symptoms have not been completely eliminated.

As part of a larger entrepreneurial approach, other catering businesses in the region should also think about environmental protection. A new guide to the hotel and gastronomy on environmental protection could be useful. Tips for reducing energy consumption and improvement in waste management are offered, as recommended by the Environmental Pact Bayern.

The situation on Weidengasse remains tense, but the steps are already visible in the right direction. The planned street festival should not only be a new approach for a harmonious coexistence, but also a sign that everyone involved is working on a solution. The Cologne restaurateurs hope that the efforts will pay off and that they will soon be perceived as trusting neighbors.