Fuse is (temporarily?) closing its doors in protest against measures: “And all because of one complaining neighbour” | Brussels
BrusselsThe iconic discotheque Fuse is forced to close its doors. Cause starts to 95 decibels and the closing time of 2 hours imposed by the city of Brussels. “Under certain circumstances it is impossible to open a club,” the discotheque said.
Wouter Hertogs, Jasper De Spiegeleer
Latest update:
23-01-12, 21:55
The measures were lifted after persistent complaints from a local resident. “The man bought an adjacent house a few years ago. “Despite insulation works and continuous intensive work on a compromise, the problem was not resolved,” the club’s website says. A latest study commissioned by the Brussels nightclub showed that further costs would cost hundreds of thousands of euros and interrupting Fuse would have to close for a year. And even then, there was no guarantee that the standards would be. The conditions to remain open at the moment after the decision of Brussels Environment is that the disco must close at 2 am and the noise limit of 95 decibels may not be limited.
“Brussels Environment is not always obliged to comply one hundred percent with the letter of the law, but to our great regret it was done well here,” says Steven Van Belle, creative director of Fuse. “We heard there was a problem, which we were working on, but the fact that we suddenly got a short answer, we found very surprising. We also found it very surprising that it was immediate and an appeal does not lift the closure. Those are things that we don’t think are likely,” Van Belle surprises.
The nightclub has appealed to the Environmental Board and is hoping for a ‘positive decision’ from its doors to reopen. Fuse judges them to be homes for nearly 30 years, while the neighbor came much later. They also want their economic and cultural interests to weigh in on this decision. A decision is expected on January 25. In anticipation of this, it was decided to close the doors. It is highly probable that an iconic club where thousands of music lovers and artists gather, which employs 10 people during the week and 80 employees at the weekend, will be put at risk because of one neighbour.
Voucher
Fuse opened its doors in the Marolles district of Brussels almost 29 years ago, making it the oldest techno club in the country. The club also pointed out the impact on the local economy, tourism and cultural life. “We therefore call on the official competent authorities to reverse this decision. As always, we are willing to work constructively together to find a solution.
All events of this and next week are therefore cancelled. All people who have bought a ticket will receive an email with an explanation and a voucher.
‘Fuse must live’
Several politicians are already opposed to the closure. “The Fuse must live”, tweets Brussels mayor Philippe Close (PS). “It is about a monument that has taught our capital a lot. I will do everything I can to go back as soon as possible.”
“Nightlife is part of city life,” tweets Brussels Secretary of State Pascal Smet (One.Brussels) in turn. “We cannot let this Brussels icon die. Everyone must take their responsibility and constructively look for a solution.”
“Please don’t stop the music,” sends Flemish Vooruit party leader Hannelore Goeman. “Alain Maron, fix this.”
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.