Destroying livelihoods

Landlords are at the mercy of online reviews

In spring, the pub gardens fill up and many guests leave their feedback online.(Bild: Martin Jöchl)

Bad reviews for restaurants online can destroy livelihoods. Restaurateurs are calling for control mechanisms.

A ruling handed down on Friday is currently being hotly debated in the Viennese restaurant scene. The story: A Viennese woman celebrated her 40th birthday in a city center restaurant. A budget of 3000 euros had been agreed with the landlord. When the sum was reached, the landlord pointed it out to her. "She said, no problem, go on, go on." In the end, the bill came to 5763 euros.

Another trial is imminent
She paid, but the next day the amount seemed too high to her and she threatened the landlord with 50 bad Google reviews via text message if he didn't give her 1500 euros back. She eventually did so and the landlord charged her with coercion - but on Friday the court acquitted her in criminal proceedings. The landlord is now being investigated for fraud. However, he is relying on the civil trial to take place in summer 2024: "I can present all my evidence then."

Extortion through reviews
The first verdict comes as a shock to Viennese restaurateurs. "Now anyone can go out to eat and say afterwards that I didn't like it. Either I get it for free or I write a bad review," says Andi Hoppel from Plutzer Bräu, for example. Restaurateur Roland Soyka has already experienced such blackmail himself: "My guests had the Google review page open on their cell phones and demanded free schnapps for a 5-star rating."

Justified criticism is important and right. But if people start blackmailing us with it, the next flood of host deaths will soon follow.

Manuel Schmidt, Dresdnerhof

Bild: Martin Jöchl

I see online reviews as problematic. Especially as negative reviews are often not constructive and arise out of emotion.

Farangis Firozian, Soulkitchen Vienna

Bild: Wolfgang Unger

Such a judgment opens the door for guests and we restaurateurs can take care of another problem that has nothing to do with our passion.

Kenan Koc, Kenny‘s

Bild: zVg

Reviews are both a blessing and a curse. The most important thing is that the clear name requirement finally comes, especially as many bots also write false reviews.

Roland Soyka, Stuwer Neues Beisl

Bild: DAVID PAYR

As a host, you are at the mercy of the rating system. Even if demonstrably incorrect comments are written, you have no means of countering them.

Andi Hoppel, Plutzer Bräu

Bild: klemens groh

Problematic system
In general, the system with anonymous comments is problematic and control mechanisms are urgently needed. Kenan Koc from the poke bowl restaurant Kenny's also believes that the Chamber of Commerce has a duty here.