Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Cafe Klass, close to Mechelen train station, has had to shut down for two consecutive weeks due to continued drug activities on the premises.
This closure is just one of a series of actions against places associated with the deals of narcotics, and the café is the fourth café to be closed in Mechelen within a year. By the end of this period, if the owner is unable to come up with concrete strategies, the café will be shut down. The decision shows that the city is ready to fight against organised drug crime and guarantee the safety of community members.
Café Klass in Mechelen has been temporarily closed for two weeks due to drug use and dealing. If the owner fails to present a convincing action plan, the café will face permanent closure, marking the fourth such closure in a year. The café has been under scrutiny from security services for some time, particularly given the owner’s previous establishment on Leuvensesteenweg, which was closed for similar drug-related issues. Reports indicate that drugs were being dealt openly at Café Klass, with customers found in possession of cocaine and hashish.
In response to these alarming developments, Mechelen Mayor Bart Somers imposed a temporary closure. “If the owner cannot present a convincing plan of action within that time, the business must close its doors permanently. We do not give space to organised drug crime in Mechelen. Drug cafés will close irrevocably,” Somers stated decisively. The mayor’s remarks reflect a broader strategy by local authorities to enhance public safety and deter drug-related activities in the area.
Mechelen’s police force is actively monitoring all catering establishments in the city, signalling their determination to tackle drug crime head-on. With this latest closure marking the fourth within a year, officials aim to send a clear message to drug criminals: law enforcement is vigilant and committed to eradicating illegal activities from local businesses. “Our police are constantly scanning all catering establishments in Mechelen. With the 4th closure in 1 year, we are showing drug criminals that we are on their tail,” added Somers.
Ongoing efforts against Drug-related crime
Café Klass had only recently closed its doors; it is part of a general trend in Mechelen, where, during the past few years, authorities started cracking down on drug-related crime. The city has been witnessing a rise in police crackdowns on joints that are believed to be involved in the promotion of illegality. These actions are not meant only to address the current issues but are also an effort to ensure that there is a safer space for the residents as well as visitors.
Drug consumption and dealing in particular facilities is not limited to Mechelen, but it is a common problem for many cities in Belgium and other countries. The local authorities are beginning to understand that in order to approach the drug problem, they have to come up with broad strategies which involve the police, non-governmental organisations, as well as health facilities.
Besides the closures, the city authorities are seeking to implement preventive measures such as launching informational campaigns for the owners and managers of enterprises with the purpose of their timely correction for their violations, as well as preventing the opening of enterprises affiliated with people suffering from drug addiction. In this way, Mechelen will be able to form a permanent system that should also help avoid such problems in the future.
From experience, it will still be important for the local authorities to keep on engaging the public to make them feel safe within their community. Mayor Bart Somers and his administration demonstrated commitment as an example for other municipalities to learn how to address multifaceted social problems with determination and people’s involvement.
