Abstract: The invention relates to a label printer for printing on a paper tape wound onto a roll, said label printer comprising a printer housing in which a reception space for the roll with the paper tape or for a cartridge comprising the roll is provided, wherein the paper tape can be placed into a paper path; a foldable housing element that is attached to the printer housing and that enables access to the reception space for the insertion and removal of the roll or the cartridge in an open position and prevents access in a closed position, wherein the state of the label printer can be detected, namely whether the housing element is closed or the cartridge is inserted and whether the paper tape is placed into the paper path.