Schaerbeek instates alcohol ban to ‘restore public order’

The municipality of Schaerbeek has adopted a decision that prohibits public drinking in a section of the district around the clock.

Anyone who is caught consuming alcohol in public in the area may receive a municipal administrative fine of up to 350 euros, no matter what time of day.

The ban – first reported by Bruzz – entered into effect July 15 and will remain in force until 31 October and extends to a part of Schaerbeek know as the Brabant neighbourhood.

The municipal decision that instated the alcohol ban mentioned several reasons for the introduction of the ban: many recent disturbances of public order “related to excessive amounts of alcohol,” the “great number of people” who purchase alcoholic drinks in local night shops as well as “the need to restore public order”.

The ban extends to the 10 following streets in the Brabant neighbourhood: rue du Brabant, rue Aerschot, rue Verte, rue Quatrecht, rue Dupont, rue Allard, rue Fraternité, rue Rogier, rue d'Hoogvorst, rue De Potter, and rue Liedts.

Ordering and drinking alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars in that area will continue to be allowed.

Photo: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck

Written by Linda A. Thompson