Published: 1 Jan 13 07:12 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/lifestyle/20130101-47067.html
For the first time in decades, Germany's chimney sweeps will face broad-brushed changes to their fabled profession in 2013. AFP's Deborah Cole reports.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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Your comments about this article:
Don't get too excited. It will not be a strong competition on this market. Who do you expect to replace the current chimney sweeper? Accession to profession is not easy at all. So there will not be much change about the price (including not setting a fix price beforehand, as the fee will be assessed depending on the work needing to be done). And if you will not find another chimney sweeper, the Ordnungsamt will probably assign the regular one to do the work. He will also be the one in charge to check your installation every three years, disregarding on who does the regular cleaning. So, as an old saying states, it is a long way until far away.
However, the change is good. It forces inspections on people who did not allow them. Collection of fees from bad payers is also made easier.