Rainy summer hits beer gardens in Saxony

The bad weather so far this summer is causing problems for beer garden operators in Saxony. The rainy summer is spoiling the beer garden season, said the managing director of the Saxon Hotel and Restaurant Association, Axel Klein, to the German Press Agency. "Every day of sunshine counts."

Guests prefer to stay at home, look for a restaurant with indoor facilities or travel to warmer climes altogether. Meanwhile, restaurateurs are still incurring costs, as Klein explained. They usually have to pay fees to the local authorities for their outdoor seating.

"You also save yourself a second Aperol"

The industry as a whole is struggling with falling revenues in Saxony. According to the State Statistical Office, sales in restaurants, snack bars and cafés fell by 7.9 percent in real terms in the first five months compared to the same period last year. Many people are keeping their money together more, said Klein. When visiting a restaurant, they are more likely to skip the starter and dessert. "People are also saving on the second Aperol."