Rathausausstellung 2026 - Tafel 23: Hamburger Nachtleben im Nationalsozialismus | Town-hall Exhibition 2026 - Panel 23: Hamburg’s Nightlife under National socialism

Orderly entertainment and a degree of ‘artistic licence’ The entertainment on offer in Hamburg’s bars, dance halls, ‘naughty shows’, and vaudeville theatres often did not conform to the moral standards envisaged by the Nazi regime. Indeed, the regime cracked down on what they considered ‘offences against common decency’ and disfavoured proprietors by ramping up police checks and withdrawing licences. The regional office of the Reichsmusikkammer [Reich Chamber of Music] forbade performances of swing music. And while prostitution remained legal, it was under police control. However, the Nazis did not intervene in the entire spectrum of the private cultural sector, as they felt it was too important for the general well-being of the Volksgemeinschaft, or national community. For a while at least, there was a degree of ‘artistic licence’ for alternative milieus, such as the queer community and Swing Kids.