German laws that require citizens to keep noise levels down at lunchtime, nighttime, or on a Sunday will be eased for Euro 2024. ‘Ruhezeit’ is a time in each day that people living in Germany are legally obliged to keep noise levels to a minimum.
This is a big boost for European football fans travelling to German cities this summer, as the Ruhezeit rules are strictly upheld for the rest of the year.
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Ruhezeit rules to be scrapped for Euro 2024
Ruhezeit rules will be scrapped for the whole of Euro 2024, much to the relief of travelling fans, who would normally be facing the prospect of a heavy fine for making too much noise during these designated hours. Over half of the competition’s 52 matches kick-off from 9pm onwards, meaning they won’t be finished until around 11pm. As a result, the German government has decided to change the existing rules in June and July this year, while the tournament is taking place.
German Environment Minister Oliver Krischer said: “We want this great football festival to be able to take place in the stadiums and at major events with public viewing.
“But also in the small corner pub and in the beer garden, where football fans want to watch and celebrate.”
Other German laws will remain in place for Euro 2024, though. This includes the rule that speakers must be placed as far away as possible from residents, with the volume kept to a bare minimum.
Not long to go until Euro 2024
This news comes only a month before the tournament begins. The opening match of the tournament will take place between the hosts, Germany and Scotland, in Munich on June 14. England’s Euro 2024 campaign will begin against Serbia two days later in Gelsenkirchen at 21:00. The Three Lions’ match, which kicks off in the evening, is the perfect example of a game that would have previously affected the fan experience due to Germany’s strict Ruhezeit rules.