Thirteen beach bar operators in Blankenberge appeared before the Bruges council chamber on Wednesday morning.
The defendants are accused of price-fixing when bidding for concessions. Their defence requested a suspended sentence.
In 2019, Blankenberge’s city council decided to change the way beach bar concessions were granted, switching to a bidding system. Established operators feared losing out, but ultimately retained their concessions, paying only slightly more than before.
A judicial investigation was launched into potential price-fixing agreements among the beach bar operators, as such practices are illegal. The council chamber planned its first review of the case in March 2023, but it was postponed indefinitely at one party’s request for further investigation.
The beach bar operators reportedly reached a settlement with the city council, agreeing to pay Blankenberge €200,000 in exchange for no further civil action.
Given this, the defence argued for a suspended sentence. The Bruges Public Prosecutor’s Office does not agree on a verdict for all defendants, though it suggested dropping charges against some.
The council chamber will deliver its verdict on 13 November.
