Brussels to limit number of new restaurants

The City of Brussels wants to limit the number of permits it allows for new restaurants and snack bars to open up in the city centre. In this way the city aims to keep its neighbourhoods diverse and prevent them from becoming overrun with cafes and snack bars, reports brusselnieuws.be.

"In certain environments, such as the Rue de Flandre and UNESCO-heritage sites, we want to maintain a range of businesses," confirms Brussels Commerce Minister Marion Lemesre.  

The city is currently refusing applications for more food establishments in the historic centre, including the UNESCO-recognised area around the Grand Place, the Saint-Jacques district and the area around Sainte-Catherine.

A few weeks ago the owners of Wasbar, a popular laundromat-bar in Ghent, complained that it was difficult to find a suitable location in Brussels, because the city did not allow them to open in the building of their choice.