Anderlecht implements New Year’s Eve curfew amid fireworks safety concerns

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Saskia Vanderstichele

Anderlecht (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels mayors, including Fabrice Cumps of Anderlecht, have imposed a 7 p.m. curfew for youths under 16 due to safety concerns over fireworks. Each area will decide its own rules.

A decision has been made because of problems with loud fireworks and burning cars. This decision came after a meeting of mayors in Brussels about New Year’s Eve rules for the nineteen areas. Mayor Fabrice Cumps said this is unlike house arrest in Antwerp, where young people who cause trouble face strict rules. In Anderlecht, they also reach out to the parents of young people who have been arrested before, but these kids are not being banned from the area.

What are the new curfews for minors in Kuregem?

The mayor has announced that young people under sixteen must stay home after 7 p.m. for safety reasons, citing the dangers of certain fireworks like the Cobra 8. This rule applies mainly to Kuregem, where there have been many past issues, but visiting neighbours is allowed. Over the next thirteen days, street workers will inform residents about the measures to prevent chaos, while the Peterbos area is not included in this plan.

It has been said that It’s not clear which areas will follow Anderlecht’s rules. Vincent De Wolf, the mayor of Etterbeek, agrees that keeping kids safe is important. He wonders if it’s okay for minors to be out after 10 p.m., especially with problems related to fireworks. Each mayor will decide what to do based on past events. In Etterbeek, De Wolf hasn’t banned all minors from being out but has noticed some incidents. He is closing a shop where young people hid after throwing fireworks at the police, saying each mayor will choose what works best for their community.

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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