Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Kortrijk enforces stricter rules for night shops, barbers, shisha bars, and hand car washes to reduce nuisance and protect the city’s image, while offering guidance for new business owners.
As VRT News reported, Kortrijk will introduce stricter rules for night shops, barbershops, shisha bars, and hand car washes. Police can now issue fines or close businesses that do not follow the law.
They mentioned that shops in tourist areas must close by 11 p.m. Night shops may only operate from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Day shops that are currently night shops must choose whether to continue as a day shop or a night shop under the new rules.
“We also want to take preventative action with stricter regulations. We want to limit the impact and safeguard the image of what’s on offer in our city. Moreover, it wouldn’t be fair to the many hardworking entrepreneurs who do comply with the rules,”
says Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe (TBSK).
What new rules and taxes are coming for night shops and shisha bars in Kortrijk?
The city is also introducing a new business permit and tax for night shops, shisha bars, and hand car washes. Anyone who wants to open one of these businesses must apply for a permit. The city will check if the location is suitable before giving approval. Authorities say the rules aim to ensure that businesses follow the law and make the city safer.
New businesses will have to pay a one-time establishment tax of €5,000 and an annual operating tax of €1,800. The city will screen all new and existing operators. Applicants must provide a criminal record and a complete list of everyone involved in running the business. Authorities will also check the sources of funding to prevent illegal activities.
The city is also taking steps to reduce noise, waste, and traffic problems caused by these businesses. To limit disturbances, new night shops must follow dispersal rules. Within the R36 ring road, they must be at least 500 meters from existing night shops. Outside the R36, the minimum distance is 1,000 meters.
New rules for outdoor advertising are also in place. Signs must fit the surrounding area and not cause visual or light pollution. Night shops will get uniform window stickers, which the city will pay for existing businesses. New businesses will also receive support and guidance from the city.
“We want to avoid having to explain to an entrepreneur after they open that certain things aren’t allowed. We often find that it’s not a matter of bad intentions, but rather of a lack of familiarity with the rules that apply in our city.
That’s why we also want to develop entrepreneurship workshops and buddy systems to guide new entrepreneurs,”
explains Alderman Wouter Allijns (TBSK).
In June 2025, inspections in Kortrijk revealed serious problems in night shops and shisha bars. On 26 June, authorities checked 12 night shops and one shisha bar. They found illegal vapes, tobacco sold without following rules, and other violations. One night shop was forced to close and several businesses were fined. These inspections followed changes in Kortrijk’s licensing system. On 1 May 2025, the city introduced a new permit for alcohol and tobacco traders, replacing 3 older licenses. Authorities checked 42 businesses and found 76 violations.
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