Downtown late-night drinking ban extended into 2021

A ban on night-time street drinking around Brussels' central pedestrian zone has been extended by a further six months until at least the end of January 2021.

Brussels city council voted unanimously to prolong the initial six-month trial period, due to expire at the end of July, because the results had been inconclusive due to the coronavirus shutdown.

The drinking ban was introduced in February following numerous complaints about noise, uncleanliness, vandalism, theft and threats to public safety, often linked to alcohol. Offenders face a €350 fine.

The measures, from midnight to 6.00, apply to the pedestrianised stretch of Boulevard Anspach - between De Brouckere and Place Fontainas - and side streets including Rue du Midi, des Fripiers, des Halles and des Poisonniers.

It does not apply to cafe terraces - and exceptions can be granted for festive and sporting events organised or authorised by the City of Brussels.

Police handed out 700 fines in February and March - but the measure has not been fully enforced since the coronavirus stay-at-home order began.