With the current seasonal period for Horeca terraces ending on October 31st, the Secretary of State for Urbanism and Spatial Planning, Audrey Henry, aims to prevent Brussels establishments from being forced to dismantle their installations before reassembling them under a new regulatory framework. She calls on municipalities to prioritize dialogue and avoid unnecessary dismantling solely due to this deadline, provided the terraces comply with current regulations.
This initiative seeks to provide greater stability for independent Horeca operators, who contribute to the capital's attractiveness. Legislative work is underway to make terraces exempt from urban planning permits permanent. A transition period is expected between October 31st and the end of the year, while the new exemption is adopted.
Currently, terraces benefit from an exemption from urban planning permits, a measure the Region intends to make permanent. However, it is reminded that this exemption does not replace the street occupation permit, which must always be obtained from the municipality for terrace installation.
“"This transition must not become an additional burden for the self-employed."
This initiative follows a resolution proposal unanimously adopted by the Brussels Parliament in April 2025, championed by Clémentine Barzin, Ludivine de Magnanville, Loubna Azghoud, and Olivier Willocx. Horeca Brussels welcomes this progress and the dialogue initiated with the Secretary of State.
