Not everyone is satisfied with new terrace regulations: “A lot of uncertainty for entrepreneurs”

The new terrace regulations of the city of Antwerp came about after difficult negotiations with the catering sector. “Uncertainty remains for many entrepreneurs,” says Davy Brocatus, chairman of Ho.Re.Ca Antwerp.

The city of Antwerp is adjusting the terrace regulations. This makes it possible for managers to install a covered winter terrace on the facade. Another adjustment concerns the takeover of a catering business. Some cafes and restaurants are located in a building that is actually used for shopping. In such a case, the new manager must request a change of destination. The city will then judge whether there is sufficient support in the street for such a case. “If the building has a shopping destination, the application for a catering business can be refused because as a city we would rather have a shop there again,” says Koen Kennis (N-VA), Antwerp’s Alderman for the Small Business.

According to Brocatus from Ho.Re.Ca, not everyone is willing to make the adjustments. The regulations were drawn up after heavy negotiations.

“The city of Antwerp wanted the terrace not to be included in the commercial fund in the event of a takeover, while the income is based on both the indoor and outdoor space,” says Brocatus. “The new manager would have to apply for a new terrace permit. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the public inquiry will be. The outcome cannot be predicted. The manager would therefore be faced with a lot of uncertainty. Fortunately, we were able to stop this arrangement.”

According to Brocatus, there is also an element of uncertainty in the element surrounding the change of destination. “It limits the freedom to do business. Entrepreneurs choose based on the opportunities that present themselves. Look at the Steenhouwersvest. This is now a beautiful thriving street, but no one would have dared to predict this ten years ago.”

Cafés and restaurants are allowed to set up a winter terrace. The city lays down clear conditions.

“It is a missed opportunity that this arrangement only applies to facade terraces and not to island terraces,” says Brocatus. “The city is concerned about business owners who do not adhere to the rules. This is a wrong argument, because the city can always monitor and punish them if necessary. Lively catering is important for a city. We all remember the effect of the corona pandemic on society.”