Kassel techno club Graf Karl says a repayment demand from the state of Hessen could put the venue at risk. The club is being asked to pay back €46,388 in COVID relief aid from 2021, and its operators are now asking supporters to help cover the sum.
Operators Willy Bautzmann and Tim Marth argue that the club stayed closed during the pandemic restrictions for economic reasons. According to their account, dancing was banned for months, and limited attendance rules still applied after that. They say the aid covered running costs at the time and helped make the club safe to operate under COVID conditions.
The pair have offered to repay €31,332 straight away and asked for the parts linked to July and August to be waived, because dancing was still banned in those months. Hessen has not said whether it will accept that proposal. The operators say that without support they would have to raise the money elsewhere, shut the club, or file for insolvency.
Graf Karl had challenged the repayment before the administrative court, but the operators later withdrew the case because they believed it had little chance of success and would create more costs if it dragged on. The Hessian economy ministry did not comment on the specific case. A spokesperson said repayment plans can usually be arranged for up to 24 months, and up to 36 months in individual cases.
The club is collecting donations through its website with a target of €35,000. That figure is higher than the proposed immediate repayment because it also covers fees, VAT, and the cost of shirts, printing, and shipping. Graf Karl says more than €5,200 has been raised so far, and any money left after the repayment will go toward keeping the club open.
