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Brussels neighbourhood introduces drinking curfew
Ixelles, a municipality of the Belgian capital, has introduced a ban on drinking alcohol outside after 10pm in some of its most-visited public places. The post Brussels neighbourhood introduces drinking curfew appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Ixelles, a municipality of the Belgian capital, has introduced a ban on drinking alcohol outside after 10pm in some of its most-visited public places.
Taking effect from yesterday (1 April) until 31 October, the ban will ban drinking in Place du Châtelain after 10pm, with an Instagram post from the official account for Ixelles stating that "the party continues in the bars and on their terraces only".
Taking effect from yesterday (1 April) until 31 October, the ban will ban drinking in Place du Châtelain after 10pm, with an Instagram post from the official account for Ixelles stating that "the party continues in the bars and on their terraces only".
Place du Châtelain is a small square in Ixelles known for its market, though at night it has become something of a hotspot for drunk and disorderly behaviour. According to Euro Weekly, there were some 31 instances when a nuisance complaint was logged, usually for noise or public urination, in February 2025 alone. The measures will include an increased police presence in the square at night and new working hours for public cleanliness workers to keep Place du Châtelain clean in the evenings. Place du Luxembourg, more often referred to as Place Lux by the European diplomats who frequent it for afterwork drinks, will also be subject to new nightlife restrictions, including a 10pm cutoff for playing music on speakers, and a 1am cutoff for events. In the districts of Flagey, Sainte-Croix and Étangs d'Ixelles, events will only be permitted if they respect residents' desires for peace. Romain de Reusme, mayor of Ixelles, posted on LinkedIn: "Nightlife is a real asset for Ixelles: it boosts the local economy, attracts residents and visitors, and contributes to cultural influence. But it also poses challenges in terms of noise pollution, cleanliness and security." The Ixelles Night Council has been formed in an effort to strike that balance. "In Ixelles, we are implementing concrete solutions for a dynamic and responsible nightlife," De Reusme continued. "Because, if the night belongs to everyone, it must also respect the sleep of local residents."
