Antwerp pub De Prof shows 30 Spanish Erasmus students the door: “They steal drinks and coats” says landlord

For Wim Bruneel, owner of Café De Prof for 36 years, one of the oldest pubs in Antwerp's student district, enough is enough. “Since the beginning of this academic year, a group of 20 to 30 Spanish Erasmus students have consistently gone too far. This has been going on for months. That's why they are no longer allowed in my establishment,” he says.

“They really go on a rampage, I can't describe it any other way,” says Bruneel. “The group consists mainly of young women who arrive drunk, demand free drinks, come behind the bar, order but can't pay and run off, steal drinks from other customers, but also coats. As soon as they are in the bar, there is a flood of complaints from other customers,” says Bruneel.

Antwerp University is aware of the problem. “It appears to involve a mixed group of university and college students,” says spokesperson Peter De Meyer. “We have already reported the matter to the City of Antwerp. They will look into it together with the neighbourhood police officer and the student agency STAN.”

The City of Antwerp says the neighbourhood police officer has already been notified about the problems. This is a city employee who deals with reports of people causing a nuisance, social problems, safety, and feelings of insecurity in a particular neighbourhood.

Police confirm the problem

The dedicated university campus police officer and Antwerp police have also confirmed that the problem has been going on for a long time. “Spanish students have a hard time accepting feedback,” the police say. “Moreover, there are different regulations in Spain, where you are allowed to sit on a terrace with your own drinks. However, the campus police officer has informed them of the rules in Belgium.”

The ESN student club for Erasmus students in Antwerp is also aware of the problem. “This group of Spaniards does not belong to our association, but we were contacted by the pub De Prof two weeks ago,” they say.

“Not a priority for the police”

Bar owner Wim Bruneel feels powerless. "I don't call the police because they don't intervene. I don't blame them, but this isn't a priority for them. My own staff know the people involved and refuse them entry. But then they camp out on the street in front of the door with drinks from the night shop. That degenerates into arguments, accusations of racism, and aggression. I can't deploy security staff every night!."

According to Bruneel, there are several restaurant owners in the neighbourhood who recognise the group and the story. “Since I shared my opinions on the matter on Facebook, I've received a lot of likes and support.”