diff --git a/debian/debian_config.py b/debian/debian_config.py
index 40087a2..cd1a2a3 100644
--- a/debian/debian_config.py
+++ b/debian/debian_config.py
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ PROJECT_NAME = 'zoo'
 #
 exec(open('/usr/lib/hobo/debian_config_common.py').read())
 
+# re-enable atomic requests (erased by hobo/debian_config_common.py)
+DATABASES['default']['ATOMIC_REQUESTS'] = True
 
 # Cancel mellon specific settings