Differing local regulations on drink and fireworks

In some places you can set off fireworks to your heart’s content and drink as much as you want in the street, while elsewhere setting off fireworks or drinking on the public highway could get you a hefty fine.

A spokesman for the Association of City and Municipal Authorities told the daily ‘De Standaard’ that “A uniform set of rules is unattainable”.

Some municipal authorities are strict, while others are flexible with regard to New Year revellers. For example in the Flemish Brabant city of Leuven you are not allowed to walk the streets with open bottles of drink and night shops are forbidden from selling spirits.

The Mayor of Leuven Louis Tobback (socialist) told the paper that “This may appear a little strict, but I want to prevent problems occurring on the Oude Markt, where around 12,000 people come to see the New Year in.

The situation is very different in Ghent (East Flanders), where the socialist Mayor Daniël Termont belives that “the clinking of glasses is simply part of an evening this”.

Tom De Schepper of the Association of City and Municipal Authorities explains that “Cities and municipalities are free to decide when and where the use of alcohol is banned or restricted in public places and whether or not people may set of fireworks.”

To find out which rules apply in your area contact your local authority of the local police.

Flandersnews.be / Expatica