This regulation governs exceptions to noise control regulations for public outdoor television broadcasts (“public viewing”) as well as the operation of associated outdoor food and beverage services. Due to the significant time difference with the venues in North America, many matches take place in the late evening or at night. The new regulation establishes the legal framework for this. 

To accommodate the significant social need and public interest in communal soccer broadcasts, a temporary exemption from the provisions of the State Law on the Protection Against Air Pollution (LImSchG) applies throughout the entire city of Mainz, the state capital. 

The operation of such outdoor broadcast facilities is permitted for all matches whose official kickoff time is between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. (CEST), inclusive. Restaurants and bars that are normally subject to restrictions on their operating hours may remain open during these times for the broadcast. 

During the group stage (June 11–28, 2026), broadcasts of matches with a kickoff time up to 10:00 p.m. are permitted; during the knockout rounds and the final stage (June 29 through July 19, 2026), this applies to kickoff times up to 9:00 p.m.

Matches that kick off at a later time are not covered by this exemption and are generally prohibited in outdoor areas. Since potential extra time and penalty shootouts would extend too far into the legally mandated quiet hours, broadcasting these events outdoors is not reasonable and is therefore not permitted. 

The times have been chosen so that the broadcasts, including any extra time and penalty shootouts, will end by midnight. In addition, all operators must minimize disruption to residents. 

Further detailed regulations can be found in the general ruling, which will be published by the state capital in the Amtsblatt on Friday. 

Further information (Issue 22/2026):

www.mainz.de/AmtsblattPDF-File361,59 kB