Germany’s embattled nightlife scene welcomes plan to reclassify clubs

A move by the German government to reclassify nightclubs to distinguish them from amusement and adult entertainment facilities could give a much-needed boost to the country’s struggling nightlife, industry advocates say. Under a fundamental change to building regulations approved by Friedrich Merz’s cabinet last week, nightclubs will be formally recognised as providing cultural and artistic value, making it more difficult for developers to evict venue operators in favour of new construction. The law still requires approval from the Bundestag and the upper house, the Bundesrat, but cross-party support makes its passage likely. Clubs are classified alongside brothels, strip bars and betting shops – though often face stricter scrutiny due to noise regulations. The new rules will allow clubs to operate in certain residential areas. Closing night at the SchwuZ club in November 2025. SchwuZ, founded in 1977, was Germany’s oldest queer club. Photograph: Omer Messinger/Getty Images Marc Wohlrabe, a night-time industry lobbyist for 30 years, called the change a “historic moment” for German club culture. …