A Copenhagen restaurant owner is shocked by the city’s steep outdoor seating fees. Almost 12,000 kroner a year for a single café table and two chairs has sparked frustration among small businesses and renewed debate at City Hall.
High Price for a Single Table
In Denmark’s capital, outdoor dining is considered part of the city’s charm. Yet for some small restaurants, the cost of keeping even one table outside has become overwhelming. Karina Møller, who owns the small Italian restaurant C’ho Fame with her husband, discovered that their yearly fee for a single outdoor table and two chairs totals nearly 12,000 kroner.
For a modest business, that amount can heavily strain the budget. Like many other owners, Møller says the city’s policy feels out of proportion. Her restaurant sits in Zone A, the most expensive area for outdoor service, which includes Copenhagen’s city center and a few popular side streets.
How the Fee System Works
According to the City of Copenhagen’s website, restaurants in Zone A pay 31.22 kroner per day for each 10 square meters of outdoor service space. Zone B, which covers the rest of the municipality, costs 8.91 kroner per day for the same area. Fees increase for larger setups, such as 25 or 50 square meters.
The city explains that these payments cover administrative costs, inspections, and the marking of designated outdoor areas. However, restaurant owners argue that small businesses with minimal space should not face such high fixed costs, especially when they only use outdoor seating a few months each year.
Industry Voices Frustrated by Cost
The organization Horesta, representing hotels, restaurants, and tourism enterprises, says complaints about outdoor dining fees have grown steadily. The association argues that while it is fair for restaurants to pay for public space, the current rates discourage smaller venues from offering outdoor service, something that draws both locals and tourists during summer.
At the same time, many business owners point out that they must pay the annual fee even if they only set up tables during the warmer months. The system does not allow partial-year payments, which means they continue paying in the middle of winter when the tables remain inside.
Political Reactions and Divided Opinions
The issue has spilled into local politics. Several candidates for the upcoming Copenhagen municipal election have taken clear positions.
Candidates from the Liberal Alliance want to abolish the fees altogether, arguing that the rules are too rigid and discourage a lively café culture. They say many Copenhagen residents enjoy the city’s outdoor dining scene, and higher costs could make it less accessible.
On the other hand, members of the Conservative People’s Party believe restaurants should continue to pay to use public areas. They point out that before the current rules were introduced, the city lacked proper oversight, leading to inconsistent use of sidewalks. However, there is interest among some politicians in reviewing the system to make it more efficient and balanced.
No Response from City Officials
Copenhagen’s Technical and Environmental Mayor, Line Barfod from the Red-Green Alliance, has declined to comment on the criticism. Other parties involved in establishing the current system, including the Social Democrats and the Red-Green Alliance, also have not responded to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, dissatisfaction among local restaurant owners continues. Many believe the city’s pricing model is hurting small businesses rather than supporting them. Some fear that outdoor dining, long considered part of Copenhagen’s identity, may gradually become a privilege reserved for larger, wealthier establishments.
Debate Likely to Continue
With local elections approaching, the conversation about outdoor dining fees has become part of a larger discussion on how Copenhagen balances business interests with urban planning and public space management.
For Møller and others like her, the debate is not just about one table. It is about whether small, independent cafés can remain part of Copenhagen’s vibrant street life in the future.
Sources and References
TV 2 Business – Restauratør måber over prisen for at have dette ene bord
Københavns Kommune – Gebyr for udeservering
TV 2 Kosmopol – Ny måling sparer endnu en tilbagegang for S i København
