Brussels cracks down on unauthorised cafe terraces

The City of Brussels is preparing new measures to tackle what officials describe as “unauthorised chaos” caused by sprawling cafe terraces on pavements and in pedestrian areas.

Under a forthcoming terrace plan, authorities aim to introduce clearer rules and step up enforcement in busy parts of the capital, particularly in tourist zones and historic squares.

Yliana Mondele Ondel, spokesperson for the Brussels alderman Didier Wauters (Les Engages), said the first phase will focus on the busiest areas.

“Our initial focus is on the tourist area in the city centre, the pedestrian zone, and the terraces on the Grand-Place and the Rue du Marché aux Herbes. We are currently still in consultation with the hospitality sector and retailers about the details of the plan,” she said.

City officials say the new approach is designed to replace years of temporary arrangements and short term extensions that followed Covid pandemic flexibility for the hospitality sector.

A spokesperson for the Brussels region's new state secretary for urban development, Audrey Henry (MR), said the aim was to provide legal certainty while ensuring public space remains accessible.

“The new government wants to create a clear framework and definitively permit the terraces, provided the regulatory framework is complied with," the spokesperson said.

"It is illogical and irresponsible to constantly work with short extensions. This has kept the hospitality sector in limbo for so long."

Authorities argue that some terraces currently exceed authorised space, obstruct pedestrian movement or lack proper permits.

The revised plan will seek to balance the economic importance of terraces for cafes, restaurants and other stores with accessibility for residents, tourists and people with limited mobility.

Consultations with hospitality operators and retailers are ongoing.

The city has not yet announced when the new rules will formally enter into force - but the Brussels region is keen for the illegal terraces to be gone by the end of June.