News from the colourful gutter: an “enticing opening promotion” ended in chaos in Dortmund on Sunday. The new takeaway “Food Lover Döner” on Körner Hellweg, near the Zehnthof bus stop, had been advertising a halal or steak döner for just one euro and an iPhone prize draw – heavily promoted via TikTok and Instagram. As reported by the newspaper “Bild”, a long queue had already formed before the shop opened, consisting mainly of young people and minors. According to the police, up to 300 people gathered; the operator spoke on social media of “around 1,000 people” and posted cries for help such as “SOS!”, “Huge chaos” and “State of emergency! – please take your kebabs and go!”.
When the doors opened, the crowd pressed against the windows. An eyewitness described the scene: “The kids are completely out of control, with no manners and no decorum.” An attempt was reportedly made to smash the windows of a pharmacy opposite; according to the chain’s marketing team, chairs were thrown at cars, and weapons were found in rucksacks. The private security team was almost overwhelmed, and the operator himself called the police at around 2.15 pm. Dortmund.
When the officers intervened, they were pelted with bottles, stones, fireworks, e-scooters, a chair and nitrous oxide canisters. A patrol car sustained damage from stones. The police deployed a hundred-strong contingent of riot police (some in pairs) and a helicopter. The situation quickly calmed down; no one was seriously injured. One person was arrested, and an alarm gun was seized from another. Several criminal proceedings are underway for breach of the peace, criminal damage and insulting behaviour. Chief Constable Tim Frommeyer made it clear: anyone who uses violence against the police is not an ‘adventure-seeking young person’, but a criminal.
The Public Order Office has suspended further operations for the time being; the operator’s liability for the online advertising is being investigated. The owner, who had prepared 45 kebabs, intends to distribute them to homeless people. The scenes are reminiscent of previous bargain promotions (e.g. 1-cent kebabs), though this time with significantly more violence. It just goes to show that things can always get a touch more antisocial…