Graf Karl: Kassel club faces aid repayment demands

Kassel techno venue Graf Karl is facing an existential threat. The state of Hesse is demanding the repayment of 46,388 euros in pandemic bridging aid. The funds had been granted to the venue in 2021 to support nightlife businesses affected by official restrictions.

Dropped lawsuit and settlement proposal

Operators Willy Bautzmann and Tim Marth initially initiated legal proceedings against the decision. They eventually withdrew their lawsuit due to low chances of success and the financial burden of extended legal proceedings. In discussions with the authorities, the operators offered an immediate payment of 31,332 euros. This amount covers months with severe revenue losses, such as the summer of 2021, when a dancing ban temporarily restricted admission to just a few dozen guests at a time. The Ministry of Economics of Hesse has not yet agreed to this partial settlement.

Crowdfunding to save the venue

To secure its future, Graf Karl launched a support campaign on its own platform. Contributors receive rewards such as:

• Annual passes
• DJ slots
• Corporate event packages

Any funds exceeding the required repayment are intended for the venue's long-term preservation. A total of 15,829 euros has been contributed by 421 supporters so far.

Source: Groove