Ypres (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Halloween walk in Ypres, organized by Kostumation, faced disruptions due to a surprise inspection by RVA, affecting staff availability and visitor experience, according to Joshua Van Bost and Diego Desmadryl.
The Halloween walk in Ypres, organized by the Kostumation Theatre agency, faced an unexpected challenge when inspectors from Belgium’s National Employment Office (RVA) arrived for a surprise check. The event featured a 4-kilometer route with haunted houses and scare zones, but some employees were being taken away for inspections. These workers were key to creating the scary atmosphere along the path.
How did RVA inspections disrupt the Ypres Halloween walk organized by Kostumation?
The inspection happened at a busy time when visitors were starting to enjoy the haunted attractions, causing problems for the event. RVA officials checked the Kostumation staff to make sure they were following rules about contracts and working hours. After this, there was a shortage of staff, and the theatre agency had to quickly find people to fill in for those missing.
According to Joshua, during a haunted house event, three staff members were taken away for checks, which took a long time because they had to fill out a long form. Some workers didn’t have their ID cards because they were in costume. Joshua thinks these checks should happen before or after the event, not during. Event councilor Diego Desmadryl agreed, saying he has never seen checks during an event in the last six years. He is worried that if this keeps happening, people might not want to join future events, and he plans to talk to the RVA about it next week.
