Event company Kokima recently shocked its owner, Yannick Van de Weerd, by receiving a €30,000 fine for alleged neglect and vacancy of their business venue, De Kluis in Bolderberg. The fine arrived unexpectedly on 2025-07-08 12:21:00, despite the site hosting thousands of team-building participants annually. Kokima insists the building is well-maintained and actively used.
- Yannick Van de Weerd receives €30,000 fine
- Kokima organizes thousands of annual events
- Authorities claim building neglect or vacancy
- Kokima holds valid hospitality permits
- Company plans to appeal the fine
- Calls for better government communication
Van de Weerd strongly disputes the claim of neglect, highlighting the continuous investments and positive feedback from clients. How can a venue bustling with events be labeled “heavily neglected or vacant”? The fine seems disconnected from Kokima’s real operations and permits.
With no clear explanation from authorities beyond the penalty notice, Kokima plans to appeal. But what does this mean for other Belgian businesses facing similar misunderstandings? The situation raises important questions about communication between public services and local enterprises.
Why did this fine happen despite clear evidence of activity? It suggests a disconnect between administrative assessments and on-the-ground reality. Key points include:
- Official permits, including strict fire safety approvals, confirm the building’s usability.
- Annual financial records and VAT returns show ongoing business operations.
- Authorities provide no prior warnings or detailed explanations before imposing the fine.
- Kokima remains open to dialogue and willing to pay if proven inactive, showing good faith.
As Kokima appeals, Belgian businesses should watch closely and advocate for transparency in administrative processes. Could this lead to improved dialogue and fairer enforcement? Only time will tell, but staying informed and engaged is key.
