Press releases

At its meeting on Wednesday, July 9, the Aachen City Council passed an updated version of the amusement tax statutes by a large majority. The new regulation provides for the abolition of the amusement tax on dance events and, at the same time, an increase in the tax rate on so-called gambling machines. The Finance Committee had previously recommended that the Council adopt the new version.

Relief for discotheques and clubs

The abolition of the entertainment tax on dance events relieves discotheques, clubs and commercial organizers of dance parties and at the same time supports club life in Aachen. By waiving the tax, the city of Aachen is following the example of many large cities in NRW.

Curbing offers with addictive potential
With the resolution of the new version, the tax rate on gaming machines, i.e. gambling machines, will increase from five to 6.5 percent of the stake. The tax rate has not been increased since the City of Aachen's amusement tax statutes came into force in 2006. The aim of the current adjustment is to reduce the supply and attractiveness of slot machine gambling and thus also contribute to the prevention of addiction. The additional revenue generated by the increased tax rate compensates for the abolition of the previous tax on dance events.

The new version of the amusement tax statutes will come into force on January 1, 2026.

Further information on municipal policy meetings and resolutions can be found in the council information system at ratsinfo.aachen.de/public/.