The City of Brussels intends to tighten the rules for businesses around the capital’s historic market square, the Grote Markt, in order to create greater diversity in the range of shops on offer. For example, the number of souvenir shops will be limited to a maximum of 20. Restrictions will also be imposed on the number of cafés and restaurants: in most streets, no more than one in three businesses will be permitted to be a hospitality venue.
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City of Brussels imposes restrictions on souvenir shops and hospitality around the Grote Markt
Colin Clapson
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Socks featuring Manneken Pis. Caps with the Atomium. Magnets, key rings, postcards… You don’t have to look far around the Grote Markt to buy a souvenir of Brussels. There are around 40 souvenir shops. Too many, according to the Brussels city cabinet.
The city cabinet is currently working on the approval of the ‘Grote Markt and Surroundings’ Special Zoning Plan, which, amongst other things, will restrict the number of souvenir shops daily La Dernière Heure reports. The office of Anaïs Maes, alderwoman for Urban Development, has confirmed the plans to Brussels media outlet BRUZZ.
One of the proposed measures is to limit the number of souvenir shops to around 20. At present, there are twice that number – around 40. The reduction will be achieved by a phase-out policy: existing licensed souvenir shops may remain open, but if they close, something else must take their place.
Rejecting an application
In the streets around the Grote Markt, the City of Brussels also wishes to limit the number of pubs and restaurants: in future, no more than one-third of commercial premises may be hospitality establishments. An exception may be made for streets consisting exclusively of hospitality outlets. Existing cafés and restaurants will not have to close. However, the City may refuse to issue a new licence if there are already too many hospitality businesses in that street or area.
Furthermore, the City wishes to ensure that the residential function is preserved in the area around the Grote Markt: a maximum of 20 per cent of the available floor space may be used for tourist accommodation, such as hotels or other tourist lodgings.
The City also wishes to work towards a more climate-resilient Grote Markt and its surroundings. One of the climate objectives is to significantly reduce the amount of concrete, tarmac and other hard surfaces: from 94 per cent of the surface area to 75 per cent.
Night shops
The debate about a more diverse range of shops around the Grote Markt is nothing new. As early as 2013, restrictions were placed on night shops, but the ‘homogeneous range’ of souvenir shops and snack bars remained a problem. Among those who spoke out on this issue in the past was Sofie Rombouts, who closed her stationery shop, Mofelito Paperito, in the heart of the city centre in 2024.
The City has long recognised the problems but did not want to rush into anything, explains Alderwoman Maes. “It is important to have a clear vision for the future of our historic centre,” she explains. “In this way, we protect our heritage and ensure the liveability and attractiveness of this area.”
Behind the scenes, the plans had already been in the pipeline for several years. “A consultancy firm was appointed as early as 2021,” says a spokesperson for Maes’s office. It then took nearly five years before the plans could be put out for public consultation, as approval had to be obtained at various levels. “This involves a legislative framework, so various intermediate steps must be approved by the regional authorities.”
The Special Zoning Plan is not yet final: it will be subject to public consultation. Anyone who wishes to do so may comment on the plans during this phase. From early November, the City will also organise meetings with the local residents affected.