Business in the area of the Brussels municipalities of Schaarbeek and Sint-Joost-ten-Node that is closest to Brussels North Railway Station will be obliged to close between 1am and 6am from Wednesday night. The ban on cafes, night shops and brothels in the area opening during the early hours has been introduced to reduce nuisance and crime in the neighbourhood.
Ban on nighttime opening for brothels, bars and night shops near to Brussels North Station
Published:
This measure will remain in force until 30 June. Local residents’ groups view it as a positive step, but stress that a broader, coordinated approach is needed to achieve lasting results.
The nighttime closures were approved last week during meetings of Schaarbeek and Sint-Joost-ten-Node municipal councils. In Schaarbeek, the area affected includes the Aarschotstraat, Brabantstraat, Liedtsplein, Paleizenstraat and Koninginneplein.
In Sint-Joost-ten-Node the restrictions apply to the area bounded by the Koningstraat, Kruidtuinlaan, Rogierplein (excluding the square itself) and the Brabantstraat.
Nuisance, anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime have plagued the areas for many years. This has created a sense of insecurity among residents and visitors alike. The local residents’ committee says that the neighbourhood has been neglected by the authorities.
While the closures affect dozens of bars, snack bars, shops and brothels, some local business owners say that they are long-overdue. However, the residents’ committee stresses that a nighttime ban alone is insufficient, arguing that it should be part of a broader, more structured plan to improve security in the neigbourhood.