Weapons ban zones in Cologne and Düsseldorf
In Cologne and Düsseldorf, there have been three weapons ban zones since the end of 2021. The state government has granted the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Interior the authority to do so. The establishment of the no-weapons zones has been taken over by the State Office for Central Police Services (LZPD) in coordination with the responsible district police authorities.
The Altstadt (Old Town) in Düsseldorf and the Kölner Ringe (Cologne Rings) and Zülpicher Straße in Cologne have been declared no-weapons zones. Interior Minister Herbert Reul:
„With the gun ban zones, we are making the streets a bit safer. Above all, in places and squares where crimes occur time and again and where many people are present, citizens should be able to feel more comfortable again.“
Herbert Reul
Minister of the Interior
Serious knife attacks had occurred repeatedly in recent months, particularly in Düsseldorf's old town and on Cologne's nightlife districts. "I am very pleased and relieved that we have created the legal framework here so quickly after the recent outbreaks of violence," said Reul.
The no-weapons zones are in place temporarily on weekends and before and on public holidays, including Carnival. During evening and nighttime hours, it is forbidden to carry weapons and knives with a fixed or lockable blade length of more than four centimeters. The zones in Düsseldorf's Old Town, on the Cologne Rings and on Zülpicher Strasse are marked with signs. Among others, residents, employees of catering businesses or craftsmen are exempt from the ban.
In the future, it will be much easier for the police to intervene preventively, to monitor and to sanction violations. Anyone who commits a corresponding administrative offense must expect a fine of up to ten thousand euros. In addition, the ban entitles the police to confiscate illegally carried weapons and knives. "It's not the be-all and end-all, and the police won't be able to control everyone, but I'm sure the ban will have a tremendously calming effect on tough corners in Düsseldorf and Cologne," Reul said.
The ordinance for the three prohibited zones came into force on December 21, 2021. On an ongoing basis, the NRW State Office for Central Police Services (LZPD NRW) is then to examine, together with the district police authorities, whether existing no-weapons zones retain their status and whether further zones are required in other authorities.