On 2025-07-18 16:49:00, Kortrijk took decisive action to address the growing issue of public disturbances caused by ‘hangouderen’—older groups loitering and causing nuisance. The city introduced an alcohol and gathering ban specifically targeting the Schouwburgplein, a hotspot for repeated incidents and complaints.
- City tackles nuisance from ‘hangouderen’ groups
- Kortrijk mayor enforces alcohol and assembly bans
- Schouwburgplein faces ongoing public disturbance issues
- Authorities respond after multiple incident reports
- Alcohol prohibition introduced to reduce public disorder
- Officials emphasize limited chances given before action
This move follows numerous reports highlighting the disruptive behavior of these groups, which led local authorities to impose stricter regulations. The alcohol and samenscholingsverbod (gathering ban) aims to restore peace and safety for residents and visitors alike.
But how effective will these measures be in curbing the ongoing problems? And what does this mean for community life in Kortrijk moving forward? Let’s explore the key points behind this development.
Is this ban the right approach to handle the overlast (nuisance) caused by older loiterers? While some see it as necessary, others question if it addresses the root causes. Key insights include:
- The ban specifically prohibits alcohol consumption and large gatherings in public spaces prone to incidents.
- Authorities emphasize they have given ‘hangouderen’ enough chances to behave responsibly.
- Public safety and quality of life for residents are the main priorities behind the decision.
- Monitoring and enforcement will be critical to the ban’s success and public acceptance.
As Kortrijk moves forward with these restrictions, it remains to be seen how the community adapts. Will this lead to lasting improvements, or will further measures be necessary? Citizens and officials alike will be watching closely to ensure a positive outcome for all.
