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Tonight: 'The Kiosk' Explores Social Significance of Germany's Late-Night Shops

Discover the community spirit of 'Spätis'. Tonight, meet operators fighting to keep these shops alive amidst rising prices and a changing landscape.

This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles,...
This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles, passenger lifts, name boards, stalls, lights, light boards,group of people.

Tonight: 'The Kiosk' Explores Social Significance of Germany's Late-Night Shops

Tonight at 22:15 on ZDF, the documentary 'The Kiosk' explores the social significance of small kiosks, or 'Spätis', in Germany. These late-night shops, often run by individuals like Serdar and Naciye, have seen a decline in numbers but remain vital community hubs.

Serdar, a 28-year-old father, took over the Späti at Viktoriapark in Berlin-Kreuzberg three months ago. He transformed it into a gathering spot for neighbours and a place to accept deliveries. The 'Ballerbude' kiosk in Oer-Erkenschwick, run by Naciye since 2012, serves a similar purpose. It's been operating since 1980 and has become a community hub where regulars organise outings and bring small gifts.

Spätis have evolved over time. Once numbering around 2000 in Berlin, they've halved to about 1000 today. They're increasingly replacing traditional, pricier bars. Despite this, they face challenges. Rising prices impact both customers and operators, threatening social security. 'The Kiosk', part of the '37 Grad' series, delves into these issues, focusing on kiosk operators like Serdar and Naciye.

Tonight's documentary 'The Kiosk' shines a light on the importance of Spätis in German communities. Despite their decline, these small shops continue to play a crucial role in social cohesion. With rising prices affecting both customers and operators, their future remains uncertain.

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