Zug discusses the abolition of the closing hours in the hospitality industry

The late closing hours (Polizeistunde) for the hospitality sector and shopping hours in general have become a subject for discussion lately, both in the canton of Zug and in neighbouring cantons (such as Lucerne and Uri.) The question has now also been raised in the government council, with some very differing opinions.

"I know what nightlife is," stated SVP (Swiss Popular Party) cantonal councillor Philip C. Brunner at the beginning of his vote, and immediately requested that the CVP (Christian Democratic Party) motion should not be forwarded to the government. As this would require a two-thirds majority, however, his request was denied: the council transferred the motion with 61 to 11 votes. The government will accept the motion.

The radical abolition requested by the motion is not a general need, said Brunner. It was a populistic proposal that would result in increased government spending.

The people submitting the motion are representatives of Zug communities. "Should Oberägeri's nightlife be upgraded?" asked Brunner, to laughter in the council. The abolition of the closing hour rule was "an invitation to marginalised people," said Brunner. Calmness, order and morality are important goods today, and should not be gambled away.

                                                              The city of Zug at night.

Fabio Iten (CVP), who co-sponsored the motion, stated that it is not the job of the restaurateurs to educate people who can’t behave themselves on their way home. The people behind the motion believe that the closing hour rule is an "old and outdated instrument" for monitoring the population, and no longer meets today's needs.

The FDP (Liberal Democratic Party) cantonal councillor Adrian Moos said that Brunner’s opinion hit the nail on the head. Abolition of the closing hours will not work in the Zug metropolitan area. where there are already problems with nightlife. By cancelling this rule, the canton would be giving up an important tool for maintaining public order.

Heini Schmid (CVP) said that, as the President of Zug Tourism, he has a keen interest in ensuring that Zug is a lively city. The debate that has now started shows how important it is to have a discussion about this. “Let's see how we can regulate the various needs. And pass the motion on to the government,” he told the council.