The Town Planning Unit of Brussels City Council, accompanied by the police and the Town Planning and Heritage alderman yesterday (Monday) went into the Ilôt Sacré district. Their intention: to place tamper-evident seals on awnings to stop them from being used in hotel and catering establishments, that have not complied with the mayor's decree.
This came into force last May on the basis of a Siamu (fire and emergency medical service) opinion. This was stated by the press department of Brussels City Council.
Town planning officers from Brussels City Council did this around 8.30 p.m. since the awnings are problematic in terms of security for hotel and catering establishments in the district.
The mayor's decree came into force on May 31st this year. This was implemented after a fire took place in the Rue des Bouchers last January, on the basis of an opinion from SIAMU, the fire and emergency in the Brussels-Capital region. The decree lays down three measures.
The first stipulates that having awnings was forbidden from the day the decree became law. The second summoned traders to take the necessary measures to take down awnings, marquees and other tents within four months of the date of the decree.
Finally, the last measure banned parasols, heaters, market stalls, drums, barrels, screens and all other furniture and bulky items which may hold up the circulation of emergency vehicles.
The use of terraces opposite your building is not forbidden but only tables and chairs are allowed.
Traders have until November 7th to comply and the aspects which are not removed in this time period will be removed by the Town Planning services at the various traders' expense.
The Brussels Times
