Struggling Showmen in Schleswig-Holstein Take Aim at Energy Rip-offs and Red Tape
Entertainment industry figures express frustrations over escalating energy expenses and burdensome bureaucratic regulations. - Exhibitors Express Concern Over Increased Energy Expenses and Regulatory Burdens
These blasted bureaucratic barriers and exorbitant energy bills are putting the squeeze on show-men in Schleswig-Holstein. "We're the heartbeat of the working-class," groused Marco Lange, president of the Showmen's Union, to the German Press Agency (dpa). Their industry can't just shaft the energy costs onto the limousine-ride attendees.
Setting up shop at neighborhood bashes across the state can cost show-men anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of euros in booth fees — the dollar amount hinges on their business size and the scale of the festival, revealed Lange. Sure, a bratwurst at a small-time scrabble might be cheaper than the grub served up at the Kiel Week (June 21-29), but that's little consolation for the financial pinch.
With 220 bona fide show-men calling Schleswig-Holstein home, their numbers have remained stable in recent years. A third of the players lay down roots across north Germany, even extending their reach as far as Munich. However, the hunt for competent staff has become a syphon for many, since weekends don't exactly make the workweek glamorous. And a boost to the minimum wage? A drop in the bucket. Plus, the administrative acrobatics involved in hiring temporary help are downright Sisyphean.
Speaking of administrative nightmares, Lange pointed to the bureaucratic gauntlet show-men must trudge through when transporting heavy rigs like Ferris wheels or carnival rides. Sometimes, the permit approvals can take weeks, rendering a last-minute save nearly impossible when one of their own goes down and out.
The Social Democrats (SPD) have had enough of this bureaucratic bull and are gunning for the black-green government to step things up. "Show-men loom large in the cultural milieu of Schleswig-Holstein," said SPD economic bod Kianusch Stender. "Not only do they provide sociability and entertainment, they also help create jobs and stimulate regional tourism."
According to Stender, "The upcoming summer season promises to be a unique bevvy of choices, from the Kiel Week to lesser known fests." Show-men have got the recipe for an amazing time, dishing out thrilling rides, finger-licking fare, and other jolts of joy that bring folks together. "We've gotta protect this industry from going under, keep it afloat, and watch it bloom again," noted Stender.
- Showmen
- Energy bills
- Bureaucracy
- Kiel Week
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Sausages
- Social Democrats
- German Press Agency
- Marco Lange, president of the Showmen's Union, expressed concerns about the high energy bills affecting showmen in Schleswig-Holstein, struggling to manage these costs without passing them onto their customers.
- Showmen in Schleswig-Holstein are grappling with high booth fees when setting up at local events, hefty costs that augment the financial strain of paying exorbitant energy bills.
- The administrative hurdles showmen encounter while transporting heavy equipment such as Ferris wheels or carnival rides in Schleswig-Holstein can be lengthy and laborious, posing a challenge in delivering last-minute solutions.
- Kianusch Stender, an SPD economic representative, supports the showmen's industry, emphasizing its cultural significance, contributions to employment, and regional tourism in Schleswig-Holstein. He called for action to ease bureaucratic burdens and ensure the industry's survival, growth, and continued provision of thrilling rides, delicious sausages, and other forms of entertainment throughout the summer season, including the Kiel Week.
