Rijkevorsel lowers GAS fine age to 14 amid repeated youth nuisance

Rijkevorsel will be able to impose a municipal administrative sanction, known as a GAS fine, on young people from the age of 14. The minimum age had previously been 16.

The change targets a recurring group of about 15 young people, many of them under 16, whom the municipality links to nuisance in the town. Mayor Dorien Cuylaerts said incidents during this summer’s World Cup included young people sitting on terraces being provoked, leading to arguments and fights.

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We want a livable and vibrant village. But if we see that a particular group is making it no longer livable and pleasant, we have to act.

The mayor said some children now avoid the municipality’s playgrounds because the group challenges other children there. “Sometimes it even gets so bad that fights break out. We cannot tolerate that,” Cuylaerts said.

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Sometimes it even gets so bad that fights break out. We cannot tolerate that.

Police have already been monitoring the young people and speaking to them through, among others, the local community coordinator. The sanction process does not begin with a fine. For minors, it starts with a mediation meeting to identify any underlying problems. They may then be referred to the Centre for General Welfare Work for support, followed by a work penalty or community service if necessary. A financial penalty of up to 175 euros is described as a last resort. Damage caused by vandalism must be repaid separately. A place ban imposed on four young people remains separate from the GAS procedure.

Parents have been informed in meetings, although Cuylaerts said their reactions differ. “Some immediately get to work on it. Some may need a bit of parenting themselves, but I will leave that aside,” she said. The mayor said the broader process matters because a GAS sanction can involve community service rather than a payment by parents.

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Some immediately get to work on it. Some may need a bit of parenting themselves, but I will leave that aside.