Mechelen Café Permanently Closed After Repeated Drug Sales

Belgian police have permanently closed the Sint-Katelijne café in Mechelen after repeated incidents involving drug use inside the establishment. The owner also lost the license to operate the café.

Repeated Violations Despite Warnings

The café, located on Sint-Katelijnestraat, had already been temporarily closed by the city in November last year after drug-related violations were discovered.

At the time, police warned that stronger action could follow if the violations continued.

Despite the warning, follow-up inspections carried out by police in late March found that drug use was still taking place openly inside the café. Authorities considered this a serious violation of the rules.

Café Permanently Closed

Following the latest findings, Mayor Bart Somers ordered the café to be permanently closed. The owner also lost the license to operate the hospitality business.

“It is unfortunate that despite the serious and repeated violations and the previous closure, the café owner was unable to operate the business legally,” Bart Somers said.

Mechelen Steps Up Drug Enforcement

The decision is part of a broader effort by the city, police and public prosecutors to combat drug-related activities, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Belgian police said they will continue to focus on prevention, inspections and cooperation between the relevant authorities to reduce drug-related risks and disruption in a sustainable way.

Authorities also stressed that similar violations will not be tolerated in the future.