Coffee Bet Prohibited - Districts Want to Stick to Action - Berlin’s Coffee Bet Defies Ban as Districts Rally for Homeless Charity Drive
Berlin’s annual Coffee Bet charity drive is facing a ban—but several districts are refusing to comply. The campaign, which collects coffee packages for the city’s homeless, has run for nearly seven years. Now, local authorities in Neukölln, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, and Lichtenberg are pushing ahead despite the prohibition.
The Coffee Bet started in 2019 as a Neukölln initiative. It rewards districts that gather at least 500 coffee packages with an extra €2,500 for homeless outreach. Over time, the drive expanded across Berlin, supported by corporate sponsors.
This year’s collection was set to run from January 19 to February 5, 2026. However, the Senate Chancellery intervened, citing legal concerns. Officials warned the cash incentive could imply bribery or improper influence. Despite the ban, participating districts remain determined. Neukölln, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, and Lichtenberg have all confirmed they will proceed as planned. The campaign’s organisers argue that the initiative serves a vital charitable purpose and should continue.
The dispute leaves the Coffee Bet in limbo for 2026. If districts move forward, they risk legal challenges from the Senate. Yet the campaign’s long-standing support for homeless outreach means many see it as worth the fight.
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