News & Stories

Berlin. On Thursday, the European Parliament accepted the result of the so-called trialogue between parliament, commission and council on the consumer rights directive concluding the entire procedure. Now the German hotel associations fear that the industry will be facing new problems.

Berlin. The German hotel industry has now suffered its first defeat in the litigation surrounding the 'bed tax'. Hoteliers are, however, expected to appeal.

Munich. It was a thorn in the side of many tax advisers for a long time and now the German standard accounting framework, SKR 70 for the hospitality industry has been abolished.

Berlin. The planned amendment to the UV-Protection Regulations could mean a disproportionately high burden for German hoteliers. Sector representatives criticise the proposals.

Berlin. The hotel industry could face increased administrative hurdles if the EU manages to push forward with a new consumer rights directive: Under the directive, each pizza order would become a bureaucratic act, though the most onerous obligation would involve changing each website. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association opposes the directive.

Offenbach. The "Emmely" dispute made many headlines last year in Germany: The case involved the dismissal of a cashier from a supermarket in Berlin as a result of her using two misappropriated bottle deposit receipts with a total value of 1,30 to her own advantage. The case has consequences for many employers, in particular in connection with dismissals in the context of offences against property. In last week's edition, hospitalityInside legal expert and employer solicitor Joachim Jungbluth set out the course of the case up to the final decision of the Federal Labour Court. Today, he explains the grounds for the Court's decision and the consequences of that judgement which are relevant to all sectors of industry – including hospitality.

Offenbach. Hardly any other dispute has busied both lawyers and the public over recent years like the "Emmely" case has in Germany. The case involved the dismissal of a checkout lady from a supermarket in Berlin as a result of her using two misappropriated bottle deposit receipts with a total value of 1,30 for her own benefit. This case gives cause to take a closer look at the facts, the litigation, the grounds for the Federal Labour Court's decision and the consequences of that decision. The result of the case has far-reaching consequences for the future treatment of employees, in particular in relation to offences against property.

Duesseldorf. Data usage on the Internet, particularly in the social networks, is increasingly being discussed in public. Compared to the rest of Europe, Germany has a very extensive data protection law. The Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft has now issued a guide including 10 tips for platform operators.

Cologne. Neue Dorint GmbH based in Cologne is suing the German state of Rhineland Palatinate and Nuerburgring GmbH for distortion of competition. Dorint claims that a competitor has been unfairly advantaged through unlawful contracts concluded with respect to the Nuerburgring. The competitor can only be Lindner Hotels. Dorint has operated a hotel on the ring for 20 years. Recently, two Lindner hotels and a holiday park have brought competition.

Munich. The largest German state decided per referendum in favour of the most strict non-smoker protection bill of Germany on July 4, 2010. The bill even prohibits smoking at the Oktoberfest. The day after tomorrow, on August 1, 2010, the bill is to come into force. However, this week, a loop hole was found.