Ebeltoft wine bar sparks debate over pop-up businesses in Denmark

A Spanish wine list, tapas, and a bit of sun—could this be the recipe for a perfect afternoon in the holiday town of Ebeltoft? That’s the view of wine bar Masvino from Aarhus, as they operate a pop-up in a rented space at the Maltfabrikken cultural center while their main location remains closed for the holiday season.

However, this summer concept has sparked mixed reactions in the popular tourist destination on Djursland. Local wine and delicacy vendor Kristian Busk, a member of Ebeltoft’s merchants’ association, believes the opportunity to profit from tourists should be prioritized for businesses that operate year-round. “We want to have the majority of the revenue. With pop-ups, they take the money away and use it to support their business all year,” he stated.

The debate over pop-ups—whether they be bars, mobile coffee stands, or shops—is heating up in various regions of Denmark. Mads Poulsen, owner of Masvino, argues that limiting business opportunities during the high season is nonsensical. “I find it somewhat distasteful to say that [pop-ups] steal revenue from other shops,” he commented.

Instead, he believes that the presence of more businesses enhances the overall customer base in Ebeltoft, especially as more young families are drawn to the area due to its diverse offerings created by entrepreneurial locals.

Other tourist destinations, like Samsø, have implemented rules to restrict pop-up businesses during the peak season, requiring establishments to open for a minimum of 120 days before receiving a licensing permit. Local politicians in Syddjurs are now considering whether new regulations for pop-ups might be necessary.