Rules surrounding barbecues in Brussels mean that residents hoping to take advantage of the sunny weather need to make sure that they are adhering to the region’s regulations in order to avoid a fine. Barbecuing is still strictly prohibited in all Brussels parks and in any public spaces, where it is illegal to light a barbecue or campfire. “Fancy a small barbecue? The answer is very clear: no, it is not allowed, because of the risk of fire, but also for the safety of passers-by,”
the Brussels Environment website states. A fine can amount to up to €250, and each Brussels municipality can set its own administrative fines to prohibit barbecues. A ban on odour nuisance and any soot particles means that it is also forbidden to barbecue on a private balcony if it poses a hazard or may disturb the neighbours. However, barbecuing is permitted in private gardens and on private courtyards or terraces under certain conditions. “Barbecues are only permitted in private gardens and on private courtyards and
terraces if fixed or portable barbecue grills are used that are adapted to the local conditions and provided they do not pose a safety hazard or cause a nuisance to the neighbourhood,” police regulations state. The Brussels fire brigade said: “It does happen that neighbours call about a house fire when such a barbecue produces a lot of smoke. Then we have to put it out.” Exceptions to the rules on barbecuing in public spaces occur when local councils expressly authorise it, for example for
events involving food trucks. The relevant rules are set out in a 2020 police by-law applicable to all Brussels municipalities. “It is prohibited to cause a nuisance to the neighbourhood through smoke, odours, soot or fumes of any kind, as well as through dust or projectiles of any kind,” reads the regulation. “Unless authorised by the competent authority, barbecues in public spaces are prohibited.” The organisation European Cooking already ceased its barbecue events at Place Jean Rey, as did the travelling event Urban BBQ Brussels.
Local neighbourhood organisations may, however, still make barbecues or ovens available to their own members. Belgium is currently experiencing temperatures of up to 30°C, prompting a return of the summer economy. In specialist shops, barbecues are among the most sought-after items, alongside parasols and equipment designed to create shaded areas. Other retailers are already seeing customers preparing for the heat in their homes, with a marked interest in cooling solutions. Ice cream parlours are also feeling the immediate impact of rising temperatures. Some chains report
having quadrupled or even quintupled their production to meet demand. Seasonal weather models are showing a fairly strong indication of a warmer-than-average summer in Belgium, which fits into a broader trend. According to data from the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), the month of May marks the 16th consecutive month of above-average temperatures, a record-breaking run for Belgium.
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