The Brussels municipalities of Schaerbeek and Saint-Josse-ten-Noode have jointly decided to extend the night-time closure in the Brabant district by a further three months in an effort to tackle public nuisance and increase safety. All shops in the district had been required to close between 1.00 and 6.00 since 1 April. The measure was intended to expire on 30 June but will now be extended with minor adjustments until at least September. Adjustments include that Rue Royale in Saint-Joose is excluded from the closure measures
and the night-time closure is being relaxed during weekends in Schaerbeek, where the closing time has been pushed back to 3.00 on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as nights following a public holiday. Saint-Josse mayor Emir Kir said that the night-time closure had been a great success. “Local residents say so too. They are asking for it to be extended,” Kir said. “The streets are quieter and safer, and there’s less night-time noise. In Saint-Josse, we have only had to note on one occasion
that a business failed to comply with the closing time.” Kir had long been in favour of extending the night-time closing hours, though the municipality has been criticised by various shopkeepers and bar owners over the measure. Some businesses have complained that the closure has caused financial hardship and about 20 shopkeepers attempted a legal challenge against the order. But Schaerbeek authorities echoed the support seen in Saint-Josse, saying the extension is justified in light of the initial results of the measure aimed at reducing
crime. “The analysis carried out by the Brussels North police zone indicates an overall positive trend in the security situation in the North District during the hours covered by the measure,” they report. “Crime recorded within the area is falling, whilst the most serious violent offences (robberies involving violence, assault and battery, and homicides) also appear to be decreasing during this time slot. “While 23% of violent offences recorded within the area took place between 1.00 and 6.00 during the first quarter of 2026, this
figure fell to 7.7% in May.” Martin de Brabant (MR), acting mayor of Schaerbeek, said this did not mean that the crime problem in the North District had been resolved. “But the data we have shows that the measures are having an effect during the period they were intended to cover, restoring peaceful nights,” de Brabant said. “It would be premature to bring them to an end just as the first results are beginning to emerge. “This new period will also enable us to continue
monitoring safety indicators, to assess the impact of the relaxation of restrictions granted at weekends and on the eve of public holidays, and to make progress in implementing a comprehensive plan involving the various levels of government and the relevant partners, whose mobilisation requires significant consultation.” In an effort to compromise with affected traders, the local authority announced that it was considering compensation measures such as a temporary exemption from the late-night opening tax, as well as an exemption from the tax on shop windows
and brothels, as Rue d’Aerschot is directly affected. “The municipality cannot remain indifferent to the difficulties faced by shopkeepers, and we will therefore propose to the municipal council that it make a fiscal concession,” said Cédric Mahieu, the Schaerbeek councillor in charge of public finances. “Those liable for the tax on night-time drinking establishments and for the tax on prostitution parlours will be exempted in proportion to the duration of the measures.” The extension still needs to be approved by both municipal councils.
Brabant district, Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, North District, night-time closure, Rue Royale, Rue d’Aerschot, late-night opening tax, public nuisance, safety, Brussels North police zone, crime drop, Emil Kir, Martin de Brabant, Cédric Mahieu