Our Nightlife Manifesto

In recent weeks, several nightlife venues have been forced to close or give up the core of their activity to survive. While the entire sector is weakened by rising costs and increasing regulations, it faces pressure on the ground and a series of negative signals: noise pollution regulations, obsolete thresholds, smoking bans, excessive controls, VAT increase, regulatory uncertainty, lack of dedicated funding, etc.

Yet no clear measures have been taken to ensure the sector’s sustainability. Venues, bars, festivals and event collectives are a key reason people visit our city, stay here, and choose Brussels as a place to live and work. This vibrant ecosystem - unique, creative and internationally recognised - is now under serious threat.

Brussels has the talent and the know-how - but it needs support.

Drawing on our work since the launch of Brussels By Night and the input of our members, we have developed a set of concrete recommendations, which we have shared with policymakers.

With the right support for the sector, nightlife can once again bring people out, attract talent and strengthen the city - while respecting residents, heritage and local culture.

You can download the full manifesto here.