Security Gauntlet For Thirsty Berliners

Security measures have been stepped up worldwide since Sept. 11, and in Berlin the precautions are even interfering with the quintessentially German activity of having a beer.

The street outside a bar in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood has taken on shades of Checkpoint Charlie in recent months, with a security detail of a dozen police officers on guard around the clock.

The bar, Windhorst, on Dorotheenstrasse in the heart of the city, is in the now-unfortunate position of sharing a wall with the United States embassy, which is around the corner.

The location suited the bar for years, ensuring a decent after-work crowd. But after the attacks in the U.S., the street was shut down to car traffic as the embassy beefed up its security. Barricades went up and more cops were posted.

Now to enter Windhorst, customers need to present either an official EU or Germany ID card or a passport. Officers toting automatic weapons direct visitors to a makeshift police station in a trailer. While one cop runs the thirsty patron’s identification through the computer, another takes him or her to a private room for a very thorough patting down.

Not surprisingly, such an ordeal doesn’t appeal to a happy hour crowd only in search of a frosty pils or lager. Owner Guenther Windhorst says his business is suffering.

“It’s a big problem,” said Windhorst. “Many people who work in the neighborhood used to stop by for a drink on the way to the subway. Now they don’t. They just go straight to the subway. Our business from 6-9 p.m. has been nothing.”

Windhorst said some people, especially tourists, come just for the experience, but they usually don’t come back.

The police checkpoint might stay in place for as long as two years, Windhorst says, or at least until the embassy relocates to its new location next to the Brandenburg Gate. Construction on the new site hasn't started yet.

“It will be a bigger problem in the summer,” he said. “We used to have tables outside in the sun. But I don’t think anyone will be wanting to sit outside under the watch of military guards.”

By Christopher Weber
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