Native speaking barbecue masters - Multilingualism in Vienna

Having a barbecue in public barbecue areas may cause issues with passers-by, cyclists, and neighbours. Barbecue masters supervise public barbecue areas to avoid such conflicts.

Barbecue masters (i.e. supervisors of public barbecue areas) have different ethnic backgrounds and speak German as well as the languages spoken by the largest migrant groups in Vienna. They have their own space in every public barbecue area and patrol the area on a regular basis.

Barbecue masters usually start their work in early April and supervise public barbecue areas until mid-October. Their hours are from 9am to 9pm on weekends and public holidays. In addition, some public barbecue areas are supervised on Fridays from 3pm to 9pm. Barbecue masters currently supervise eight public barbecue areas.

They provide information to people, who use barbecue areas, and ask all users of public space about their concerns and needs. They provide information about relevant rules and regulations, answer questions, solve problems, and mediate between the parties involved before or if conflicts arise.

Joint project

The project "native speaking barbecue masters" is a joint project of Municipal Department 17 - Integration and Diversity (MA 17), the environmental charity UmweltBildungAustria - Grüne Insel, Municipal Department 42 - Parks and Gardens (MA 42), Municipal Department 45 - Water Management (MA 45) and Municipal Department 49 - Forestry Office and Urban Agriculture (MA 49).

Contact

• Integration and Diversity MA 17 - Nord (German)