'Administrative deadlock': Brussels padel tournament faces fines for noise

The Brussels Premier Padel tournament at Gare Maritime risks a hefty fine because it does not have a licence to play music after 23.00, which organisers say is absurd given the event has the support of the City of Brussels and the region.

The fifth edition of the Brussels Premier Padel tournament is taking place at the Tour & Taxis site until 26 April and is expected to draw at least 85,000 visitors - 15,000 more than last year’s edition - making it one of Brussels’ biggest sporting events.

But just two days before the start, organiser Vincent Laureyssens of World Padel Tour Belgium learned that the licence for the tournament did not include an exemption from Brussels’ strict noise regulations. After 23.00, the tournament is no longer permitted to play amplified music.

“The police order stated the limit was 23.00, whereas we have permission for matches until 1.00,” said Laureyssens, adding that he was told by the Brussels city council that he risks a fine of €13,000 per day if he violates noise regulations.

"Music is played at all major tournaments around the world. Not all the time, but between sessions," he added

"I have the full support of the city council and the Brussels region to organise this tournament here, where 85,000 spectators are expected. Despite this, they are banning me from playing music. It’s unbelievable."

Lynn Tobback of Brussels Environment told Bruzz that the tournament risks a fine because it never applied for the correct permit.

“The tournament has a permit to organise the sporting event, not to play amplified music. Brussels Environment has not received an application for this,” Tobback said, clarifying that organisers risk a one-off administrative fine, for which the agency is currently unable to specify an amount.

“Before a fine can be imposed, an inspector must first visit the site, establish a breach of the noise standards, draw up a report, and the public prosecutor’s office will then decide on any criminal consequences. Brussels Environment may subsequently impose an administrative fine.”

Tobback said the figure of €13,000 per day was not correct, adding: "It’s bizarre to talk about fines per day. We have no idea where the mentioned amount comes from."

Florence Frelinx, Brussels' alderwoman for sport, blames the Brussels Environment administration for the confusion, saying it was taking too rigid a stance and that the event is in an "administrative deadlock".

“To organise certain matches in the evening, an exemption from the noise regulations is required,” said Frelinx.

“Until recently, such an exemption could be granted by the city council. But since a ruling by the Council of State, the mayor can no longer intervene by means of a decree.

"At the same time, Brussels Environment states that it has no legal basis for granting an exemption from the noise standards."

Frelinx called the fact that the padel tournament has not been granted an exemption and now risks fines as “unacceptable”.

“A public administration must be part of the solution,” Frelinx said.

“Brussels is experiencing a new dynamic, at both city and regional level. An administration must translate the political direction expressed by the electorate and steered by elected representatives. Brussels Environment must respond to this evolution with a pragmatic approach.”

Brussels Environment acknowledged that there has indeed been uncertainty since the ruling regarding an exemption from noise standards for outdoor events, or events taking place in a marquee, “but there is no exemption from noise standards for events taking place indoors,” it added.

Brussels Environment emphasised that it complies with existing Brussels legislation.

In the meantime, tournament organiser Laureyssens said he had no intention of turning off the music at 23.00.

"I’m going to hold my tournament as planned, with music in the evening," he said. "If they fine me, I’ll challenge it in court."

Brussels MP Pascal Smet (Vooruit.brussels) said mayors should once again be given the power to grant exemptions from noise regulations.

“Of course, the peace and quiet of local residents must be respected, but a city is also a place where people live, and for certain events such as the Tomorrowland pre-party or the Brussels Premier Padel, which are internationally renowned, it should still be possible to grant temporary and reasonable exceptions,” Smet said, adding that a draft ordinance is in the works.

“However, the Brussels government is still awaiting an opinion from the Council of State. That doesn’t seem necessary to me, however, as an opinion was issued quite recently.

"I therefore call on the government to submit the proposal to the Brussels parliament as soon as possible so that a vote can be held. In this way, we can avoid such absurd situations in the future."