Antwerp Mayor Shuts Zuidcafé Terrace After Violent Brawl

Antwerp Mayor Els van Doesburg (N-VA) has ordered the terrace of Zuidcafé, a popular establishment in the city’s Zuid district, closed for one month after footage of a violent brawl circulated on social media. The closure, effective from 13 July to 9 August 2026, comes amid a pattern of repeated disturbances that police say created a “frightening atmosphere” on and around the terrace.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the decision follows dozens of complaints logged between April 2025 and May 2026 concerning violence, intimidation, and noise disturbance in the vicinity of the café, located at the Leopold de Waelplaats on the corner of Volkstraat and Karel Rogierstraat.

A History of Warnings

Police first warned owner Mehdi Karimi about the problems during a meeting in September 2025, at which the owner acknowledged the “frightening atmosphere” around the terrace. Despite this, the situation escalated significantly in April and May 2026, with multiple serious brawls involving tables, chairs, and glasses being thrown, requiring repeated police intervention.

David Cleiren, spokesperson for Mayor van Doesburg, told VRT NWS that “the terrace has repeatedly been the scene of serious brawls and disturbances. Tables, chairs, and glasses were thrown, and police had to intervene repeatedly to restore public order.”

In June 2026, police conducted a large-scale control action in the Zuid district, during which Zuidcafé was specifically inspected and nine people were arrested. Karimi publicly criticized the operation, calling it “disproportionate” in comments to Gazet van Antwerpen, while acknowledging he was in favor of controls in principle.

Conditions for Reopening

The terrace closure runs from Monday 13 July to Sunday 9 August 2026. Notably, Zuidcafé announced on its Instagram page that it would be taking its annual holiday during exactly this period, a move that may be an attempt to mitigate reputational damage by framing the closure as planned time off.

Before the terrace can reopen, the owner must demonstrate that a licensed security guard will be present on weekend evenings from 8 PM until closing time. “The terrace may only reopen once the owner demonstrates that a licensed security guard will be deployed,” Cleiren confirmed. “That guard must be present on weekend evenings from 8 PM until closing time.”

Owner’s Response

Owner Mehdi Karimi expressed frustration with the situation, telling Gazet van Antwerpen that he “also wants to find a solution” and regretting how events unfolded. The one-month closure represents a significant financial loss during the peak summer season, and the requirement for a licensed security guard adds ongoing operational costs.

Broader Context

The Zuidcafé incident is not an isolated case. Multiple Belgian municipalities are grappling with violence and disturbances at café terraces, leading to increased regulation, security requirements, and closures. A brawl at café Den Hosp in Heist-op-den-Berg led to a mayor imposing a ban on three youths, while the city of Lier recently introduced stricter rules on terrace use after closing time, with fines up to €500.

Analysis

Mayor van Doesburg’s swift and decisive action signals a zero-tolerance approach to violence in Antwerp’s hospitality sector, aligning with her broader security agenda since succeeding Bart De Wever. The Zuid district, known for its art galleries, museums, and vibrant nightlife, faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining its reputation as a cultural destination and ensuring public order.

The relationship between the city authorities and Zuidcafé’s owner appears strained, with prior attempts at resolution having broken down. The escalation to a formal closure raises questions about whether the security guard requirement will become a standard condition for other cafés in the area facing similar issues.

What’s Next

The terrace will remain closed through the first week of August. It remains to be seen whether the owner will challenge the closure legally, and whether any individuals have been charged in connection with the brawl captured on video. The incident adds to growing scrutiny of public safety in Antwerp’s entertainment districts, as the city works to balance vibrant nightlife with resident quality of life.