Halsema threatens with fines: Amsterdam clubs in deliberation about continuing protest Inland

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema wrote this in a letter to Koninklijke Horeca Nederland on Thursday. A spokesman for the mayor also says that clubs that have indicated that they will open on Saturday will be formally notified, which will suffice as a warning. If clubs do open their doors on Saturday, they immediately risk a hefty fine of at least 4,500 euros.

The action received acclaim from all corners of the country; almost all clubs in Amsterdam were sold out in no time and party locations elsewhere in the country also indicated that they would welcome the public again this weekend. Club owner Eelko Anceaux previously told De Telegraaf that he found the reopening, which goes against the current corona measures, ‘not legal, but legitimate’.

It initially seemed to look rosy for the night catering industry. On Wednesday, the police unions called on their members not to act against clubs and discos that violate the corona rules. So reportedly, club owners did not have to be afraid of consequences. ,,Our local police officer doesn’t like to enforce, because that only causes chaos and problems on the street,” said club owner Rob de Jong of Club Nyx earlier.

Add to the rules

Yet the situation has turned 180 degrees a day later. “I understand your frustration, disappointment and need for perspective,” Halsema wrote in the letter. “Where other sectors can open with small steps, you have been at the back of the line for the relaxation for two years.” But, the mayor continues: “I urgently ask you to comply with the rules, assuming that society will open soon.”

The Security Council also announced on Thursday morning that, contrary to previous reports, enforcement will be carried out. “We assume that action will be taken against large-scale violations of rules,” said Hubert Bruls, chairman of the Security Council.

The Boa Unions have asked the Dutch Labor Inspectorate to help with enforcement.

If the rules break, clubs risk a fine of 4,500 euros. If the rules are repeatedly not complied with, a mandatory closure may even follow. Normally, both the fine and the closure are preceded by a warning. Now, however, the municipality is tightening the reins by writing to the clubs in advance with a warning.

Clubs under consideration

Whether night catering operators take the possible sanctions for granted and will still open their doors on Saturday remains to be seen. On the social media channels of De Nacht Staat Op, it will be shared on Thursday that the festivities can start on Saturday from 9 p.m.

To date, the Amsterdam clubs formally say they have not heard anything from the municipality. Bas Louwers, club owner of the Bitterzoet and one of the initiators of the action, says that club owners will meet on Friday afternoon to make a decision.

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