If restaurateurs in Lower Austria open or take over a pub in a place where there would otherwise be none, they receive a one-off support of 10,000 euros.
The “tavern bonus” announced by the black-blue state government has been available to apply for since the beginning of the year. The prerequisite is a “regional food and drink offering”. This initially brought the project some ridicule. The satirical report “Tagespresse”, for example, sent fake letters to restaurateurs in which visits from officials from a “department for the promotion of patriotic food culture” were announced and a “breading quota” and “Gabalier meat patties” were recommended.
FPÖ failed with its lawsuit before the Higher Regional Court
The FPÖ Lower Austria initiated legal action once morest the satirical report, but this failed for the time being before the Vienna Higher Regional Court. With less public attention, Tyrol had previously introduced a “tavern bonus” with similar requirements.
In addition to the pub bonus, Lower Austria will grant funding in 2024 for the modernization and attractiveness of the catering and hotel industry. The grant amounts to up to 20 percent of the investment volume, up to a maximum of 40,000 euros. For example, support is available for a new guest garden, furnishing the restaurant or energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
A total of four million euros are available for this. Applications can be submitted until the available budget has been exhausted, but at the latest until the end of 2024.
