Strausse

A Strausse or Strausswirtschaft (also Strauße or Straußwirtschaft) is a type of wine tavern in winegrowing areas of German-speaking countries that is only open during certain times of the year.

These seasonal inns are not subject to normal business laws and are thus not obliged to have a licence or to pay extra taxes.

Besides ones furnished like ordinary pubs there are also simple barns where benches and tables have been temporarily set up to accommodate guests.

The enactment "Capitulare de villis vel curtis imperii" by Charlemagne is often mentioned as the historical standard for the Strausswirtschaft.

While in the Buschenschank - regulated in § 111 of the Austrian Trade Regulations and in the Buschenschank laws as provincial laws of the federal states - alcoholic beverages from the company's own premises as well as cold dishes may be offered, a trade license is required for the expansion to include hot dishes (for a Heurigen buffet) for a hospitality business.

This special form of “bar areas and restaurants” as a sideline for agricultural businesses is regulated in Switzerland in the respective cantonal hospitality laws and, depending on the region, is also called “Besenbeiz”, “Besenwirtschaft” or “Buschenschenke”.