News & Stories
Berlin. This Wednesday in Berlin, the Bundestag pushed through the highly controversial amendments to the third Infection Protection Law, which have fatal consequences for the hospitality industry. In future, the government can completely stop travel! Together with two members, the industry association Dehoga will file a suit with the Federal Constitutional Court.
Munich. The first wave of the corona pandemic in spring 2020 immediately gave rise to a debate about the right to rent reduction in a pandemic situation. Given the renewed seriousness of the situation this autumn, the German Federal Minister of Justice, Christine Lambrecht, has now responded positively to this suggestion. But legal experts see little legal scope for euphoria on the part of tenants. This is an assessment that is likely to reignite the discussion after the second lockdown and after the government's recent decision this Wednesday on further possible closures.
Berlin. The struggle of the hotel industry and tourism is becoming increasingly precarious. The German Bundestag now wants to enshrine a ban on accommodation for all types of travel by law. The 2nd lockdown in November alone will result in a 10.2 billion loss of turnover. Step by step critical points start moving – again by the courts, not by the government. For example, a court finally announed state aid for medium-sized companies with 50 or more employees, and a regional court recognised the tenant's right to a substantial reduction in rent in the event of state-ordered closures.
Berlin/Hamburg. Given the persistent negative performance of the economy, the German government is now pushing forward with an amendment to the Insolvency Suspension Act. There are new tools for restructuring and stabilisation and changes to the existing insolvency procedures.
Paris. Paris city hall has won a battle against short-term rentals listed on Airbnb and other platforms. The ruling will be used as jurisprudence in many other European cities where rentals increased property prices and impacted housing markets.
Berlin/Cologne. On Wednesday evening, German government extended the suspension of the obligation to file for insolvency under current legislation and at same time modified that obligation. For Dirk Iserlohe of Honestis AG, the result of all this will only be to delay insolvencies with even more serious consequences. He continues to put up a political fight for proper focus on the real provisions that would indeed be capable of avoiding a wave of insolvencies in the hotel and tourism industry.
Berlin. Google is now only allowed to display the stars for hotels in Germany that have been classified by the German industry association Dehoga. This has now been decided by the Berlin Regional Court.
Brussels. The European Commission adopted the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield on July 12. This new framework protects the fundamental rights of anyone in the EU whose personal data is transferred to the United States as well as bringing legal clarity for businesses relying on transatlantic data transfers.
Munich. The Center Parcs resort in Allgäu made headlines this week: Three people were infected with Covid-19, 120 contacts therefore had to be tested. What liability does the operator have if a guest is infected with Covid-19? Our legal expert explains.
Brussels. Negotiators of the European Parliament and the European Council have have agreed on EU class actions after lengthy negotiations. The scope of the collective action explicitly covers travel and tourism and the rights of air and rail passengers.