Catering establishments are allowed to install a winter terrace (Antwerp)

During the corona pandemic, catering establishments were given the opportunity to expand their terraces. This was in response to public health requirements and to give entrepreneurs the opportunity to remain open. The problem was that the expansion of the terraces compromised the balance between residents’ demand for peace and quiet and the freedom to fully undertake activities. In addition, a number of extensions were not of the same quality, something that was condoned at the time. Adjustments to the terrace regulations for catering establishments should now provide clarity.

“Catering entrepreneurs contribute to the vibrancy of our city, and it must remain that way,” says Koen Kennis (N-VA), Antwerp’s Alderman for the Small Business. “That is precisely why we are revising the regulations. The most important thing is that catering establishments are now allowed to install a winter terrace. The new regulations lay down clear rules for this. It concerns the facade terraces.”

“Catering entrepreneurs contribute to the vibrancy of our city, and it must remain that way”

Koen Kennis (N-VA)

Alderman of the Middle Class

From October 1 to March 31, restaurants and cafes are allowed to close the space under their awning. At least one third must remain open at the front. Heaters are allowed, but not if they are on the table. That would pose too great a danger.

“With these rules we prevent immense covered terrace constructions from appearing again,” says Kennis. “With these regulations, we sought a balance between the aspirations of the catering industry and our security services, such as the fire brigade. It is especially important that the closed terrace can be easily removed.”

Stores

In the province of Antwerp, the number of stores fell from 13,422 stores to 11,196, or a decline of 17 percent, between 2013 and 2023. In many cases the shops were taken over by catering establishments. This is also the case in some Antwerp neighborhoods, which has radically changed the atmosphere in a number of streets. The growing number of catering establishments is causing resentment among local residents because cafes sometimes cause more nuisance.

“If a new manager opens a new catering business in a location where there is already a catering business, we check whether this building has a catering destination,” says Kennis. “In recent years we have noticed an explosion of catering establishments in streets that were previously mainly characterized by shops. The arrival of these catering establishments causes nuisance. Residents rightly say that they did not choose a street that is almost an open-air dance. So if the building has a retail destination, the application for a catering business can be refused because as a city we would prefer to have a shop there again.”

The catering manager can of course request a change of destination. There will also be a public inquiry. To be eligible for such a repurposing, the building must meet the standards for catering.

“It may be that a catering establishment has been established in a shop premises for a very long time and then a change of destination is possible. It will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The most important thing, of course, is whether there is sufficient support in the street for a café or restaurant.”

Koen Kennis (N-VA)

Alderman of the Middle Class

“It may be that a catering establishment has been established in a shop building for a very long time and then a change of destination is possible,” says Kennis. “It will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The most important thing, of course, is whether there is sufficient support in the street for a café or restaurant. It also depends on the type of catering business. The chance of disturbing your night’s sleep is lower at a lunch bar or coffee bar. This does not alter the fact that the strategic catering centers can be lively in the evenings.”

After approval of the adjustments by the municipal council, the terrace regulations will come into effect on May 1.