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Veröffentlicht am

29 Jan 2026

What the Coalition Agreement Means for the Hospitality Industry

Philipp Streich

Business Development Manager

Table of Content

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The coalition negotiations between CDU and SPD have already delivered initial results with direct implications for the hospitality industry. Three topics are particularly decisive for restaurants and hotels: VAT returns from 19% back to 7%, the minimum wage rises to €15, and flexibilization of the Working Hours Act. What this means for operators – and how you can prepare now.

Key Provisions Affecting Hospitality

The coalition agreement includes several provisions with direct impact on hospitality operations, from labor regulations to operational requirements.

Labor Market Changes

Minimum Wage Developments

Commitment to inflation-indexed adjustments
Timeline for implementation
Impact on wage structures

Working Time Regulations

Potential flexibility provisions
Documentation requirements
Compliance implications

Employment Contracts

Changes to mini-job thresholds
Part-time regulations
Temporary work provisions

Operational Implications

Cost Impact

Businesses should prepare for:

Increased labor costs from wage adjustments
Additional compliance requirements
Potential new reporting obligations

Administrative Changes

New requirements may include:

Enhanced documentation
Digital reporting systems
Audit preparation

Preparing for Change

Immediate Actions

Review current wage structures
Audit compliance status
Assess technology readiness

Medium-Term Planning

Budget for cost increases
Evaluate efficiency opportunities
Consider technology investments

Strategic Considerations

Pricing strategy adjustments
Operating model review
Competitive positioning

Technology as Response

Modern workforce management helps address regulatory changes:

Automated compliance tracking
Digital documentation
Cost optimization tools
Efficiency improvements to offset costs

Regulatory changes are a constant in hospitality. The businesses that succeed are those that prepare proactively, invest in systems that ensure compliance, and find efficiency improvements to offset new costs. Stay informed, plan ahead, and leverage technology to adapt.