Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

Ixelles authorities take measures to combat night-time noise

Illustration picture shows the Place Flagey - Flageyplein, in Ixelles-Elsene, as people came to celebrate the reopening of the outside terraces of bars and restaurants, Saturday 08 May 2021, in Brussels. (BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK)
06:23 15/07/2021

Since the gradual lifting of coronavirus measures, the arrival of summer and the end of the school and university academic years, some parts of the Brussels municipality of Ixelles have started to come back to life. While welcomed by many, this resurgence of activity is already leading to complaints and conflict.

Major problems related to noise during the night, often caused by loud music being played by large groups of youths on the streets, and rubbish left in public spaces are giving the authorities – and residents – a headache.

Since a mass illegal party in May on Place Flagey, a gathering which was prompted by the relaxing of outdoor hospitality restrictions, incidents of unruliness in Ixelles have increased as the pressure of confinement is released.

One major hotspot for disturbances during the night is the gardens of the Abbey of La Cambre and its surroundings. This tranquil green area is popular with Ixelles residents during the day, with the authorities promoting the abbey's grounds as a necessary recreation spot for those seeking breathing space after months of isolation. But the municipality of Ixelles is less keen on it becoming party central after sundown.  

In order to ensure an increased level of respect between those using the public space and those inhabitants living close by, the mayor of Ixelles has adopted two orders which came into force at the start of this week: firstly, the use of any amplified sound device will be prohibited in public spaces throughout the entire territory of the municipality of Ixelles between 22.00 and 7.00. Secondly, entrance to the gardens of the Abbey of la Cambre will be prohibited between 23.00 and 6.00.

Failure to comply with these two orders is punishable by administrative fines of up to €100.

Written by Nick Amies