Proliferation of ghost kitchens in Europe
14.4.2021
Question for written answer E-002015/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sira Rego (The Left)
The dark kitchen – or ghost kitchen – business model has recently emerged in Europe. These kitchens take advantage of the legal loopholes found in municipal or local regulations to install industrial kitchens in residential buildings. They are generally fitted in the basements of buildings and in very tight spaces. Surrounding households are affected by the severe noise, odour and pollution nuisances they cause. Because the business involves the delivery of online orders, local areas are being affected by large groups of delivery riders and by heavy goods vehicles passing through.
For instance, Uber has purchased a workspace of 1 500 square metres in the Prosperidad neighbourhood of Madrid, and is planning to open up to 38 kitchens. Another example is the recent complaint, filed by the Miguel de Unamuno primary school’s families association[1], regarding the close proximity of the kitchen chimneys to the school. In light of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission consider it necessary, given the gaps found in current municipal and local regulations, to encourage specific legislation to be drawn up on ghost kitchens?
- 2.What is the Commission’s view on the rise of such business models, which have a severe impact on small businesses in the hospitality industry and foster the emergence of monopolies?
- [1] https://www.eldiario.es/madrid/colegio-rebela-cocina-industrial-colindante-patio_1_7797765.html