Restaurants operating on public land in Zurich are currently prohibited from using electrical lighting, including small table lamps and string lights, according to city regulations. While business owners have criticized the enforcement as overly restrictive, the city maintains that the policy—in place since 2008—is necessary to prevent light pollution. Officials have signaled that a potential adjustment to these rules, specifically regarding smaller table lamps, may be considered following recent political pressure.
Enforcement of 2008 Lighting Regulations
The city’s policy on outdoor gastronomy, which has been in effect since 2008, explicitly forbids the use of electrical illumination in public spaces to combat light pollution. According to the office of SP city councilor Simone Brander, these regulations are not new, and there has been no official increase in the intensity of enforcement efforts. Despite this, several business owners report recent friction with the Gewerbepolizei (trade police) regarding their outdoor lighting setups.
Regula Bürgin, manager of the Brasserie Spirgarten, stated that her establishment was required to remove its table lamps following a visit from the trade police. She described the enforcement action as “a bit petty.” Reto Frei, co-founder of the restaurant chain Tibits, noted that Zurich is the only city where his businesses have problems because of small string lights.
Did You Know?
The current prohibition on electrical lighting for outdoor restaurant seating in public areas has been a part of the city’s official guidelines for boulevard gastronomy since 2008, though the use of wax candles remains permitted.
Potential Policy Shifts and Political Pressure
While the current ban on electrical lights remains in force, the city has indicated that the guidelines are subject to review. A potential path forward involves a political initiative that could lead to an update of the existing boulevard gastronomy manual. Municipal authorities have suggested that smaller table lamps might be permitted in the future, provided they are designed to prevent upward light emission.
Expert Insight:
The conflict reflects a broader, ongoing tension in Zurich between the city’s regulatory framework for public spaces and the commercial interests of the hospitality sector. Similar to the long-standing disputes over the future of lakeside food stands in the city’s “Freihaltezone,” the current disagreement over table lamps highlights how administrative definitions of public space usage can lead to significant friction when applied to long-standing business practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are electrical lights prohibited on outdoor restaurant terraces in Zurich?
According to the city’s Tiefbauamt, the ban is intended to protect against light pollution in public spaces.
Are all forms of outdoor lighting forbidden?
No. While electrical table lamps and string lights are prohibited, the use of candles is currently allowed under the existing regulations.
Will the rules for restaurants change soon?
The city has signaled that the guidelines may be adjusted following a political initiative. Future rules could allow for smaller table lamps, provided they do not emit light upwards.
How should city authorities balance the need for public space regulation with the desire for a vibrant outdoor atmosphere for local businesses?
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