Johann Hieronymus Löschenkohl: Life on the Spittelberg in the 'snug', copperplate engraving and etching, 1783

As a consequence of the Chastity Commission established by Maria Theresa, prostitution became concentrated in certain quarters of the suburbs, for example the Spittelberg. Prostitutes offered their services in the ‘snugs’ of taverns which had originally been used to provide separate rooms for aristocratic patrons so that they did not have to mix with the common people in the public bar of the establishment.