Hamme Businesses Close During Summer Fair Over Glass Ban

A significant number of food and beverage establishments in Hamme will not open their doors during the town's summer fair, protesting a municipal ban on glass and porcelain. The municipality has mandated the exclusive use of cups and paper plates, a decision that has met strong opposition from business owners who find the regulations unhygienic and detrimental to their service standards.

Café owner Cédric De Laet expressed frustration, stating that while the municipality previously overlooked the rule, they are strictly enforcing it this year. "We are not allowed to use our own glasses and plates," De Laet explained. "I compare it to a toothbrush holder, which is not pleasant to drink from." He highlighted the practical difficulties, such as serving coffee in paper cups or beer in plastic cups, which he believes is not a proper way to serve customers.

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We are not allowed to use our own glasses and plates. I compare it to a toothbrush holder, which is not pleasant to drink from and also not so hygienic.

Beyond the perceived decline in service quality, hygiene is a major concern for the businesses. De Laet argued that glasses can be easily and thoroughly washed, unlike plastic cups. The municipality, however, justified the ban as a measure to prevent incidents, especially considering the event's size and target audience. Mayor Lotte Peeters (N-VA) noted that young people tend to be more boisterous at the end of the school year, increasing the potential for incidents.

Mayor Peeters suggested that creative entrepreneurs could find alternatives, such as using high-quality reusable cups or limiting their menu offerings. She plans to evaluate the rules after the event with a café owner who remains open. Despite their reservations, De Laet and his colleagues understand the priority of safety, emphasizing their own efforts to clear tables promptly to prevent issues. Ultimately, four out of Hamme's six food and beverage businesses on the market square will remain closed during the fair.

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A creative food and beverage operator will certainly find alternatives. You can, for example, work with high-quality drinking cups or limit the terrace menu.