DistantNews
Support us
🇧🇪 Belgium /Environment & Climate

Blankenberge summer bar fined 68,000 euros for noise pollution

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A summer bar in Blankenberge, Belgium, has been fined 68,000 euros for persistent noise pollution.
  • The court cited a "clear lack of respect for the rules" and noted 23 violations of noise standards over three years.
  • Despite the significant fine, the bar is allowed to remain open as the court deferred operational decisions to the executive branch.

The operator of the summer bar Boho Village in Blankenberge has been ordered to pay a total of 68,000 euros in fines for ongoing noise disturbances. The court also stated there was a "clear lack of respect for the rules" by the establishment, which is situated on the border between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge.

A clear lack of respect for the rules.

— The courtDescribing the operator's behavior regarding noise regulations.

For three years, the environmental police recorded 23 violations of noise level standards, with some exceeding limits by as much as 25 decibels. Initially, the bar received municipal fines (GAS-boetes). However, as the problems persisted, the case escalated to the courts.

During a police inspection two years ago, additional infringements were discovered, including issues with the liquor license, insufficient fire extinguishers, and a lack of fire insurance. The operator had also failed to declare cooling installations and a diesel storage tank, which are mandatory.

I am not a cowboy.

— The operatorDefending his business practices and commitment to improvements during the trial.

The operator admitted to not knowing about the declaration requirement for the installations but disputed other violations. He argued that the summer bar operates under a different statute, requiring noise levels to be calculated differently. He also emphasized ongoing improvements each year, stating, "I am not a cowboy." The court fined the company behind Boho Village 56,000 euros and the manager personally 12,000 euros. Additionally, 3,000 euros in damages were awarded to neighbors who joined the case as civil parties. The court opted not to impose an operating ban, ruling that licensing decisions fall under the executive branch. Boho Village can therefore continue to operate for the time being, though the operator is considering an appeal.

It is in the first place the executive power that decides on permits.

— The courtExplaining the decision not to impose an operating ban.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog