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Restaurant terraces to disappear from Brussels' pedestrian centre
The Brussels-City council has ordered the removal of all restaurant terraces within the Ilôt Sacré – the pedestrian streets in the historic city centre – including the Rue des Bouchers, Petite Rue des Bouchers and Rue de la Fourche. The measure came into effect on 1 November.
For many years, the streets in the area have been famed – some say notorious – for the restaurant tables packed into the narrow streets and the waiters intent on attracting customers. For some years now, it has been illegal to tout for customers; it does still happen, albeit in a less aggressive manner than before.
The city council has decided only to allow terraces in the summer, as the terraces hinder access of emergency vehicles, according to councillor for business Marion Lemesre. For the same reason, Brussels-City mayor Yvan Mayeur banned all awnings earlier this year.
“We do not agree with this decision, but we have to respect it,” said Renato Serra, head of the organisation of local businesses. “If not, there are fines of €250 to €100,000 hanging over us.”
Comments
I am appalled at this decision. Are the town fathers nuts? No matter if summer or winter, no emergency vehicle is going to race down a crowded and narrow passage. Strange how the article says the tables can only be outdoors in the summer (as if emergency vehicles were only needed in the winter). Have lived in BXL for decades and the outdoor restaurant tables is a special part of the Ilot Sacre. Moving everything indoors during the winter is ridiculous. Tourists come to meander through the streets, see what people are eating, make their choice of restaurant, and it is all part of the scene. Downtown BXL is becoming uninteresting and sterile -- especially with this and the dreadful pedestrian zones. No common sense whatsoever has been used in these decisions.
I have to agree with SALSA. What are they thinking?
It's Bxl they aren't thinking it's like this you can't drive scheme idea is ok but they don't consult them go ott