Struggling Showmen in Schleswig-Holstein Cry Foul Over Soaring Energy Costs and Red Tape
Performing art groups express concerns over escalating energy expenses and excessive bureaucratic hurdles. - Entertainment professionals grumble over escalating energy expenses and bureaucratic regulations
Hey there! Let's talk about the rough times showmen in Schleswig-Holstein are facing due to sky-high energy bills and a mountain of bureaucracy. Marco Lange, president of the Showmen's Association, spilled the beans to the German Press Agency (dpa):
This industry can't just shove those huge energy costs onto fairgoers.
How much does it cost to take part in local festivals? Fees can vary from a few hundred to a few thousand Euros, depending on the size of the showman's business and the event. That's why a grilled sausage on a smaller fair is cheaper than one at a big event like Kiel Week (June 21 to 29).
Did you know there are around 220 showmen's businesses in Schleswig-Holstein? The number's been staying steady recently. One-third of these businesses tour regionally, even reaching Munich sometimes. But finding staff ain't easy peasy, since their work hours ain't the most appealing. Hiking up the minimum wage might not solve the problem, either. Hiring temporary workers comes with its own set of bureaucratic barriers.
Marco Lange also had a beef about the long wait times when transporting heavy equipment like giant wheels or carousels gets approved. If a business breaks down, a quick replacement can sometimes be impossible, causing big headaches.
The SPD is throwing their weight behind improving things for showmen, who play a vital role in the north's cultural scene. As SPD economist Kianusch Stender put it:
With Kiel Week on the horizon, they're readying to make a splash once again. It's important to protect, maintain, and bolster this industry so it doesn't just survive, but thrives.
- Showmen
- Energy costs
- Bureaucracy
- Kiel Week
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Sausage
- SPD
- German Press Agency
Challenges Faced by Showmen
- Energy Costs:
- Energy expenses can soar when powering electrical equipment, lighting, and climate control.
- Investing in energy-efficient tech can be tough due to high initial costs.
- Bureaucracy:
- Navigating various permits, licenses, and safety regulations can be complex and time-consuming, potentially delaying events and increasing costs.
- Inefficiencies in bureaucratic procedures might impede timely approvals and support.
- Environmental Regulations:
- Adopting environmentally friendly practices may involve additional costs.
- Market Dynamics:
- Market fluctuations and competition from alternative entertainment can impact the viability of events.
- Vocational training can be beneficial for showmen to acquire the skills necessary to manage energy consumption more efficiently, reducing energy costs.
- To combat the complex bureaucratic barriers, finances can be allocated to invest in software solutions that streamline application processes for permits, licenses, and safety regulations, reducing time and costs. Additionally, partnering with local political parties, such as the SPD, could help pressure the government to simplify administrative procedures.
