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Beer gardens originate from a 19th century Munich where they became popular during the rule of <span class="nobr">King Ludwig I.</span> At this time, a dark lager was the most common beer type. On order of The King, the beer had to be brewed during the winter months because fermentation had to occur between four and eight degrees celsius. So that the large Munich breweries could also offer their beer during the summer they dug beer cellars along the banks of the Isar river. To further reduce the cellar temperature, they covered the banks in gravel and planted chestnut trees on top to provide shade during the hot summer months. Soon thereafter, the beer cellars were used not only to store beer but also to serve food and beer to the public. Simple beer tables were placed amongst the trees of the so-called new Munich beer gardens, which quickly became highly popular amongst the Munich population.
However, the new trend had such negative effect on the business businesses of the many small breweries and restaurants to the point where they collectively petitioned King Ludwig to forbid beer cellars to serve food. A royal decree was consequently passed, preventing all beer cellars from serving food. As a result, the patrons of the beer gardens were instead permitted to bring their own food. While this law is no longer in effect and as all beer gardens now serve food as well as beer, the Bayerische Biergartenverordnung states that beer gardens must still allow guests and patrons to bring their own food. The general rule is that as long as you order a beer you may unfold your own picnic on the beer tables provided in the beer garden. Those beer gardens that adheres to this rule are considered traditional and genuine Munich beer gardens.
While food nowadays sold, where beer benches are used, there is generally no waitress service in exchange for self-service canteen. Many beer gardens have two areas, one for food served by waitress and another usually larger area with beer benches for those either buying food in the self-service canteen or for those to bring their own food.
