According to the municipality of Tilburg, the action violates various corona rules. Tilburg will therefore check and enforce on Saturday if necessary. The fine that is hanging over 013 is 10,000 euros.
Municipality on the move
Tilburg understands that many nightclubs are up to their lips. But the municipality feels obliged to enforce the corona rules. Minister Yesilgöz of Justice calls on municipalities to enforce in places where clubs open.
There will most likely be relaxations next week, allowing the catering industry to remain open until 1 a.m. “But it’s not that far yet,” says the minister. “Wait a little longer. I understand that people think: it’s almost time. But we don’t take it step by step for nothing.”
Almost all municipalities seem to heed the minister’s call. Many say they will first start the conversation and issue an official warning. There is a risk of fines if nothing is done about it.
Huge fines
The amount of the fines varies quite a bit: from a few thousand euros (for example in Utrecht 4000 euros) to tens of thousands of euros (Haarlem: 50,000 euros). Warnings have also been issued in various places, so that a fine can be imposed immediately in the event of a violation.
Despite the risk of a high fine, Patronaat in Haarlem, for example, still opens its doors. Director Jolanda Beyer has already received a letter from the municipality announcing a fine of 50,000 euros.
“We cannot afford that, we have also let the municipality and our visitors know. But we assume that we will first receive a warning and then immediately stop the action and evict the club.”
Too big risk
Not all clubs dare to take that risk. For example, in Groningen (fine: 15,000 euros), event location EM2 will remain closed. On Instagram, the organization says that under heavy pressure from the municipality and under the threat of gigantic fines, the doors will remain closed.
It remains to be seen how hard the action is actually taken by municipalities and how quickly fines are handed out. But if warnings and fines do not help, a municipality can take an administrative measure and close a club immediately.
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