Mayor D’Haese Prohibits Public Drinking Near Aalst Station

Aalst (Eurotoday Newspaper) – Mayor Christoph D’Haese (N-VA) imposed a temporary alcohol ban near Aalst railway station until December 18, 2025, to curb public drunkenness, harassment, and antisocial behaviour, ensuring safety for residents, commuters, and students.

As VRT News reported, Mayor Christoph D’Haese (N-VA) has imposed a temporary ban on alcohol in public spaces around Aalst railway station. The move comes after a rise in antisocial behaviour in the area. Residents, commuters, and students who use the station every day reported repeated disturbances. 

“People loitering at the station sometimes harass others,” D’Haese said. “They are also guilty of public drunkenness and even drug use. This creates safety concerns for everyone.”

In recent weeks, authorities have closed several bars near the station to address these issues. 

What will Aalst’s alcohol ban near the station change?

The ban will remain enforced until December 18, 2025. The city is ultimately trying to reduce public disorder nuisance in other areas of the city using the same measures. Officials said the ban is intended to protect both the local community and the travelling public passing through the station each day.

Mayor Christoph D’Haese (N-VA) said the temporary alcohol ban near Aalst railway station was imposed to restore peace and safety in the area.

“This measure ensures that residents, visitors, and commuters feel secure,”

he said. He warned that people causing disturbances might move to other areas.

“If necessary, the alcohol ban can be extended to other neighbourhoods and parks. We are ready to take action to maintain public order,”

D’Haese added.

“We have to be bold enough to acknowledge that it’s a form of marginalisation,”

says D’Haese.

“The people causing a nuisance are often staying with us in shelters. We always try to reason with them first, but if they don’t listen, we have to intervene. At some point, you have to restore safety and public order.”

Several cities in Belgium have delivered on restricting alcohol consumption in public spaces to a limited set of circumstances in order to limit disturbances.  In Brussels, a full ban began in February 2020 for 6 months, but this was extended a few times, and it was sufficiently effective that there were proposals to make this permanent. Drinking is prohibited in most public spaces, except on licensed terraces and during organised events, and authorities reported fewer complaints about noise, litter, and disorder. 

Antwerp expanded its public drinking restrictions in September 2024 to areas including Schoenmarkt, Jezuïetenrui, and Meirbrug, while Ixelles, a Brussels