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House for Journalism and the Public Sphere

Welcome at Publix!

To make your visit to Publix as pleasant as possible, we have published the following house rules, which apply to all visitors to our premises.

Our House Rules

  • Preamble

    Publix is an open place for everyone who engages in journalism, helps shape the public sphere, and seeks to strengthen democracy. These house rules are intended to help make time spent in the building and the surrounding areas safe and pleasant. We kindly ask all visitors to observe the following principles.

    Zero tolerance for discrimination
    There is no place for discrimination in a space dedicated to social exchange. Publix is committed to democratic participation and social cohesion. We therefore reject all forms of racism, as well as anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism. We do not tolerate the marginalization or demeaning of people in our building on the basis of their gender identity, sexual orientation, origin, religion, neurodiversity, social or economic status, appearance, age, or any other characteristic.

    Awareness of different forms of discrimination
    Intersectional discrimination can be visible or invisible, conscious or unconscious. At Publix, we take every experience of discrimination seriously and engage with it actively and critically. Not all barriers or disadvantages are immediately apparent. We strive to act with sensitivity and attentiveness in order to recognize and respect the diversity of experiences and lived realities.

    Solidarity and support
    Publix stands in solidarity with people who experience discrimination. This means being attentive, offering support, and taking action when discriminatory behavior occurs. Our awareness team can be reached by email at awareness@publix.de.

    Feedback is welcome
    Constructive criticism is explicitly encouraged. It deserves attention and respectful engagement, as it enables both personal and structural development.

    By entering the Publix building, visitors acknowledge these house rules and all safety regulations. The current version of the house rules is made publicly available.

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  • Scope of application

    These house rules for visitors apply to the entire Publix premises and are addressed to all visitors and guests of the building while they are in Publix’s public common areas. This includes the freely accessible areas on the basement level (UG) and ground floor (EG), as well as the outdoor areas in front of and behind the building.

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  • Liability

    Publix assumes no liability for visitors’ lost valuables. Lockers are available in the basement level (UG); however, items stored there are not insured. The lockers must be emptied daily before the building closes. After that time, the Publix team or a contracted service provider is authorized to open and empty the lockers. Unclaimed items will be stored in the lost property storage.

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  • House rules enforcement and authority to issue instructions

    Publix exercises its right to determine and enforce house rules. All instructions issued by the Publix team must be followed. In particular hazardous situations, such instructions may go beyond the behavioral rules listed here.

    Publix reserves the right to carry out general, situation-related, or random inspections of visitors’ bags or clothing if this appears appropriate in light of the security situation.

    In the event of violations of the house rules or disturbances of the peace of the premises, visitors may be asked to leave or, if necessary, be issued a temporary or permanent ban from the premises. If violations of the house rules constitute criminal or regulatory offenses, they will be reported to the authorities. All official regulations—especially those issued by the police and regulatory authorities—must be observed by all visitors, even if Publix has not explicitly communicated them.

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  • Opening hours

    The published opening hours apply:

    Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 17:00

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  • General Rules of Conduct

    Consideration for Others
    In spaces where many people work together, mutual consideration is especially important. All rooms and their furnishings must be treated with care. Conversations and phone calls should be conducted at a reasonable volume. Devices for playing audio may only be used with headphones. The outdoor area of Publix also includes a cemetery, which must be treated with the appropriate respect and solemnity.

    Prohibition of Alcohol, Smoking, Intoxicants, Drugs & Weapons
    Smoking—including e-cigarettes—is prohibited throughout the building. Bringing or consuming alcohol (unless purchased in the cafeteria), illegal intoxicants, or weapons is strictly forbidden. The consumption, distribution, preparation, storage, or promotion of any substances prohibited under the Narcotics Act is prohibited. Violations will be reported to the authorities.

    Photography and Videography
    Commercial or professional photo and video recordings inside the building require prior written permission from Publix (email: hello@publix.de).

    Private photos and videos are allowed, provided copyright and personal rights are respected. Recordings must be made with minimal disruption and without additional technical equipment (tripods, selfie sticks, lighting, etc.). In certain areas or at certain times, private recordings may be prohibited. Posted signs or instructions from the Publix team must be observed.

    Pets
    Animals may be brought if they do not disturb, frighten, or endanger anyone. However, there is no right to bring an animal. Dogs must be kept on a leash and maintain a hygienic distance from food service areas.

    Guide and assistance dogs may always be brought along upon presentation of proof. Owners of all animals are responsible for their pets’ waste and must ensure, even in outdoor areas, that no droppings are left behind.

    Prohibited Behaviors, Statements, and Symbols
    Behaviors that disrupt the activities of Publix, its visitors, or other users are prohibited. This includes any form of hate speech and other illegal actions.

    Expressions hostile to the constitution, as well as the display of texts, inscriptions, or symbols that violate criminal laws, are also prohibited, as is full face covering. This also applies to the distribution of leaflets and similar materials whose content violates criminal laws. The display of banners, signs, or personal advertising materials is prohibited. Offering betting or gambling is not allowed. Exhibits such as paintings and sculptures that are openly displayed must not be touched. The Publix team reserves the right to expel persons who violate these rules and/or contact the police.

    Use of Sanitary Facilities
    Sanitary facilities must be kept clean and left in good order. Waste must be disposed of in the provided containers. Some Publix restrooms are designated as unisex to ensure non-discriminatory use for all persons.

    Parking
    A special parking space is located in front of the entrance and is reserved for people with physical disabilities or mobility impairments. All other visitors are not permitted to park on the Publix premises.

    Supervision of Children
    Children are welcome in the building but must be supervised by their guardians, who are responsible for their behavior and safety. Strollers must not block emergency exits or impede other visitors.

    Behavior in the Cafeteria
    Reservations are not possible in the cafeteria. During lunchtime, typically from 12:00 to 15:00, working on laptops in the dining area is not allowed. Food brought from outside must be eaten outside the cafeteria area. Cafeteria dishes and utensils are for use with food purchased there only. Seating from the dining area must not be moved elsewhere. Chairs must not be placed on floor ventilation grates, as this can damage the ventilation system.

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  • Lost and Found

    Lost items are kept for six months and then disposed of. Information is available during opening hours at the reception or by email at hello@publix.de.

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  • Fire Safety and Security

    Publix’s fire safety regulations apply. In an emergency, the safety instructions on the escape and rescue plans must be followed. A first aid kit and an AED defibrillator are available at the reception.

    In the event of a fire or evacuation, the building must be exited promptly via the designated escape and rescue routes. Elevators must not be used. Instructions from the Publix team must be followed. Escape routes must be kept clear at all times—blocking, misusing, tampering with, removing, or obstructing any safety, fire protection, or security devices is strictly prohibited. Fire extinguishers may be used according to the fire safety regulations, provided there is no risk of self-endangerment.

    The possession or use of pyrotechnic items such as sparklers and fireworks, as well as creating fire hazards, is prohibited.

    Visitors who deliberately or negligently trigger a false alarm—for example, by violating fire safety regulations—are liable and must cover any resulting costs, including those arising from unnecessary fire department deployments.

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  • Video Surveillance & Data Privacy

    The Publix building is under video surveillance. Clear signage indicating the presence of video surveillance is posted next to the building entrances.

    Information regarding data protection in connection with the recordings, as well as the full privacy policy, can be viewed online at:

    DE – https://www.publix.de/datenschutzerklärung
    ENG – https://www.publix.de/en/data-privacy

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