We’ve been treated to a few scorching summers in recent years, but this year and last the jet stream has not been accommodating. Concession prices for a beach bar have gone through the roof. As a result this year’s quite normal summers is proving to be particularly challenging for entrepreneurs who had been hoping to make a good profit.
The inviting beach bars on the Flemish riviera are experiencing a hard time this year as a result of the disappointing weather. They often operate thanks to students and people on a flexi-job contract. These are workers who are sent home if there’s a no-show from the tourists. Danny Van den Broucke owns four beach bars but is closing down the one in Middelkerke at the end of the season.
"We are allowed on the beach from mid-March, but already this year I have had to close my business a lot. I dare not take stock," says Danny Van den Broucke, owner of 4 beach bars, on the Small Beach at Ostend, in Mariakerke (Greater Ostend) and in the neighbouring resorts of Westende and Middelkerke.
"Actually we've really only had 11 good days so far this year. The other days, I have had to send my students home. We have a list of 40 students and flexis. I try to put at least two of them to work every day. Even if it's just cleaning up the beach bar. If I send everyone home, they won't return next year."
The annual search for students willing to take on the job
"Yesterday, a student’s mum called me," he continues. "'When would I finally set her son to work," she wondered. 'Because how will he pay his student digs?' Well, I wonder how I will pay my bills. I'm sure I won't see these students again next year. Then I will have to look for new students. Again I will not be able to promise that I will be able to put them to work all the time."
1 of 4 beach bars closes: 'it's not profitable'
Mr Van den Broucke has decided to quit from 1 of his 4 beach bars. It’s not only because of the rainy weather, but also because of the rent in Middelkerke. Last year bids were invited for a 9-year concession. Altogether, the beach bars bring in 21 times more for the municipality than during the previous concessions handed out in 2015. Bids were much higher.
The two top concessions, close to Middelkerke's casino, went for 139,000 and 132,000 euros a year. "I offered less than half that. Still, my beach bar is not profitable. I can already see that. I have sent a registered letter to the municipality saying that I want to get rid of it."
"I will keep the bar open until 15 October, then the furniture will go and the doors will close. I hope the municipality accepts my decision."