Brussels parliament extends permission for 'corona' terraces

The Brussels parliament has unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at providing a permanent legal framework for terraces set up by catering establishments in the capital's public spaces during the pandemic.

“Initially put in place as an emergency measure during the Covid-19 crisis, the simplified regime allowing the installation of terraces in public spaces has become a major lever for the recovery of the hospitality sector,” said Ludivine de Magnanville (DéFI), who herself was active in the catering sector before entering politics.

“It has contributed to the survival of many establishments, strengthened the commercial attractiveness of Brussels and promoted the qualitative occupation of public space.”

The resolution was proposed by the MR party, which said that the terraces were a clear response to the successive crises experienced by restaurants, bars and cafes, with their widespread use revealing a structural need.

The resolution aims to make the installation of cafe terraces permanent all year round.

The proposed measure also aims to remove the seasonal limitation, allowing for an annual installation provided that all the necessary authorisations are maintained - catering permit, road occupancy authorisation, compliance with the municipal framework - and gives the municipalities full discretion to regulate, condition or withdraw authorisations in the event of non-compliance.