Alcohol sales banned in Brussels night shops during Euro 2016

The City of Brussels has banned the sale of alcohol during late-night hours in the city's night shops and convenience stores for the duration of the European Football Championship (Euro 2016). The aim of the ban is to minimise noise and trouble in the city centre, writes Bruzz.

From now until 10 July, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in Brussels night shops between the hours of 11.00 and 7.00. The measure applies only to commercial shops throughout the historic Unesco area: Avenue Anspach from Place Fontainas to Place de Brouckère and the area towards Place Saint-Géry and Place Sainte-Catherine.

According to the City, 60% of the cases of public drunkenness occur between those hours, and the arrests happen mainly in the city centre.

"We are doing everything possible to make sure Euro 2016 can be enjoyed under the best possible conditions,” said Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur in a press release.

The City of Brussels enforced a similar measure during the 2014 World Cup, and saw a significant decrease in the number of police interventions for public intoxication, according to the press release.