Extended opening hours in outdoor restaurants now also in Gonsenheim and Hechtsheim
General decree: Local councils had approved the introduction by a majority. Mayor Haase: "Pleased about the expansion - gain in gastronomic attractiveness in districts".
In January 2026, the state capital of Mainz announced a six-month extension of the extended opening hours—allowing outdoor dining in the Old Town and New Town to remain open until midnight—to cover the summer months of 2026 as well. This extension was accompanied by the proposal that such a special regulation could also be applied to other neighborhoods outside the central downtown area.
The local councils of the Hechtsheim and Gonsenheim districts subsequently approved a corresponding motion by a majority vote. Consequently, with the general ruling of April 17, 2026, the special regulation will now also take effect for both districts starting April 30.
Mayor Nino Haase: “With the renewed general ruling, I have reaffirmed last year’s regulation to allow extended operating hours from April 30 through October 31, 2026, for restaurants and bars with approved outdoor seating. We have had consistently positive experiences with its practical implementation. Therefore, there was no reason not to offer this option to other interested districts as well—Gonsenheim and Hechtsheim took advantage of this opportunity, and I am pleased to allow the local councils here to make a direct decision regarding matters affecting their district. This should result in an increase in the districts’ culinary appeal—all of this, of course, under the premise of compliance with permissible emission limits.”
Haase continued: “The extended opening hours for outdoor dining from last year were met with a very positive response.” At the same time, they clearly had an impact beyond the city center, as the local councils of Hechtsheim and Gonsenheim requested that this regulation be adopted.
The mayor said: “I am pleased that the model is also finding favor beyond the city center. This proves that the approach of keeping the city vibrant and future-proof through such measures is hitting the mark. People want to enjoy the warmer summer evenings together outdoors—the positive response from 2025 demonstrates that moderately extended opening hours for outdoor dining not only create a summery urban atmosphere in the city center but are also compatible with noise protection for residents.”
Background:
Under the extended general order issued by the City of Mainz, the start of the nighttime quiet hours will once again be pushed back by two hours to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and the days preceding public holidays from April 30 through October 31, 2026.
The City of Mainz had already introduced a similar regulation for the first time in the summer of 2025 and initially tested it for a limited period of just over three months to accommodate changes in leisure habits, the increasingly warm evening hours, and the economic situation of restaurants and bars. The extended measure now adopted builds on the positive response from residents and the restaurant and bar industry.
Clear rules on noise protection continue to apply
The extended operating hours are once again subject to strict environmental protection regulations. Among other things, the following apply:
-Mandatory noise limits depending on the type of area
- Outdoor music performances, as well as music or television broadcasts from inside the restaurant to the outdoor seating area, are prohibited after 10:00 p.m.
-Windows and doors of restaurants must be kept closed after 10:00 p.m.
-Requirement for businesses to self-monitor
-Ensuring eight hours of nighttime quiet for the neighborhood
In the event of repeated violations, the general order may be revoked or restricted for individual establishments.
Existing permits remain in force
Individual exemptions that have already been granted remain in effect, provided they contain more favorable provisions. Furthermore, the general ruling does not replace any other necessary permits, such as those required under building codes or special-use regulations. This does not apply to folk festivals, trade fairs, or similar events.
The general ruling can be viewed in the Amtsblatt of the State Capital of Mainz, No. 16, dated April 17, 2026.