Beersel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Cultural Café in Alsemberg (part of De Meent cultural centre), Beersel, Belgium, is closing after noise complaints. Mayor Jo Vander Meylen (CD&V) confirmed it may stay open for 1 more year under a court deal.
As VRT News reported, the Cultural Café in Alsember, near Beersel, Belgium, is closing. The cafeteria is part of the De Meent cultural centre. For many years, it was more than just a cafeteria. With no other café nearby, it became a meeting point for residents and visitors. Beersel mayor Jo Vander Meylen (CD&V) said the café played an important role as a local gathering place.
What will happen to Cult Café at De Meent in Alsemberg after the noise dispute?
The café is next to a basketball court and a playground. Families and young people often used the spot after cultural activities. Neighbours, however, filed a lawsuit against the café. They claimed the location created too much noise, especially in the evening. The case focused on noise pollution and has now led to the decision to close the café.
“There’s a preliminary ruling, which indicates the judge would rule against us,”
Says the mayor.
“We can’t risk a final ruling jeopardising the site’s development.”
A new basketball court and a modern playground are being built on the site of the De Meent cultural centre in Alsemberg, Beersel. The municipality says these facilities are part of a larger redevelopment plan for the area. Mayor Jo Vander Meylen (CD&V) said,
“We would not want to completely revise our plans for the site.”
The legal case against the Cult Café has now been halted. The municipality has reached an agreement with the judge. Under this deal, the operator of the café may remain open for another year.
During that time, the town will search for a new location for a social meeting place. Vander Meylen said such a venue is still needed, as people want a spot to meet and have a drink. He pointed to Biercentrum De Lambiek as a good option to take over that role.
The Cult Café in Alsemberg, once known as Alzenbar, first opened in 2017 as the bar of the De Meent cultural centre. In 2022, it was taken over by Gert Ghesquiere, the former operator of Café De Vissers, and renamed Cult Café.
Over the years, nearby residents filed complaints about the café, which led the municipality to introduce stricter rules. By May 2025, the café was required to close its terrace by 22:00, limit the terrace to a maximum of 40 people, and shut its doors by 1:00 AM on weekends.
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