Police shut down underground discotheque in Brussels

Brussels police shut down an illegal discotheque on Rue de la Loi in Brussels over the weekend, where 200-300 people were dancing without respect to a smoking ban or mandatory checks for the Covid Safe Ticket (CST). 

Discotheques have not yet been authorised to reopen under current Covid-19 related restrictions, but a party was in full swing at the hotel and catering establishment in Ixelles, with both food and drinks being served.

Police responding to a noise complaint evacuated revellers using around eight vehicles on site to deal with the crowd. The manager of the place received an administrative notice and an official report was drawn up.

“The place was more of a nightclub than anything else,” a spokesperson of the Brussels Capital-Ixelles police told La Capitale.

“There were between 200 and 300 people inside. The CSTs were not controlled and the smoking ban was not respected. A ticket was issued and the establishment was administratively closed.”

This wasn’t the first time the establishment in question has been accused of flouting coronavirus measures. Google reviews for the club say that guests are told that they only need to wear masks if police arrive, and that heavy crowds make it impossible to socially distance.

Nightclubs and dance halls have been closed since 27 November under current coronavirus restrictions. 

As Belgium is currently in code red on its Corona Barometer, the Covid Safe Ticket is compulsory in the horeca sector, as is the wearing of masks for customers and staff. A maximum of six people can be seated around the same table and all drinks must be consumed sitting down, not standing up.

In July 2020, Brussels-Capital-Ixelles police closed down two catering establishments, in Brussels city and in Laeken for similar reasons. Police said at the time that that people were “feasting” and “totally ignoring social distancing”.

Photo: Stock image of nightclub