The sale of alcohol will be banned in the Northern Quarter between 22:00 and 06:00 until at least the start of October. The police order was issued by the Schaerbeek municipality to combat insecurity, mainly linked to drug trafficking in the area.
The Northern Quarter, the neighbourhood in the municipalities of Schaerbeek and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode around the Brussels North train station has long had a history of precariousness, crime, homelessness and drug use. This is facilitated by the mono-functional nature of the neighbourhood, with high-rise workplaces on every street, which means less footfall during the evening and night.
Schaerbeek Mayor Cécile Jodogne (DéFI) stated on Tuesday that there is a proven causal link between violence in the neighbourhood and people consuming alcohol. "This demonstrates the need to implement a comprehensive system to limit alcohol consumption in the public space," she said.
Tackling structural causes
Authorities are therefore banning the sale of alcohol in the district at night, except in restaurants, bars and by delivery services. The measure has been implemented following the decree published in April, which allows for the introduction of such measures as part of the policy to combat feelings of insecurity linked to drug trafficking in the area.
Jodogne added that the district has been identified as a hotspot or priority area, meaning it is prone to drug dealing and consumption. "Administrative and police efforts are focusing on re-establishing a safer atmosphere for residents and visitors alike."
The order also comes following a decision by the Local Council on 27 April 2022 which prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the Northern Quarter, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Other measures are being taken in Schaerbeek to tackle the problem of insecurity in the district, involving shopkeepers, associations and local residents. Finally, the police presence has also been strengthened with the recruitment of new police officers, while operations to combat drug-related crime have been organised in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor's Office.
"The aim is to bring safety back to the district by tackling the structural causes and working on all fronts," Jodogne said. "The measures taken today on the sale of alcohol at night complement our action, which we will be continuing over the coming months."
