Belgian and Dutch police are joining forces to tackle tensions from cross-border youth tourism
As they do every summer, young people from the Netherlands and Belgium are crossing borders in search of more lenient rules and cheaper entertainment. This is leading to an increase in public disturbances on both sides of the border.
In Belgium, towns such as Knokke are experiencing an influx of Dutch youths, attracted by the lower legal drinking age. Meanwhile, Belgian teenagers, particularly those from Brussels, are heading to Terneuzen in the Netherlands to cool off in the town’s outdoor swimming pools. Their presence has caused so much disruption that local operators have introduced differential pricing for locals and visitors.
Legal drinking age
Towns such as Knokke in Belgium are experiencing an influx of Dutch young people, attracted by the lower legal drinking age. In Belgium, 16-year-olds can legally purchase beer and wine, whereas in the Netherlands, the minimum legal age is 18.
In response to the increase in underage Dutch visitors, the Belgian authorities deploy extra police, including mounted units, supported by Dutch officers, to maintain order during the summer. According to VRT NWS, as many as 700 teenagers from Amsterdam recently travelled to the coastal town.
While many of these young visitors are simply enjoying their holidays, their presence has led to an increase in disturbances, including noise complaints, public urination and minor altercations. The cross-border policing initiative aims to reduce tensions and prevent the festive atmosphere from escalating into disorder.
Meanwhile, Belgian teenagers are heading north in search of open-air swimming pools, which are in short supply in Brussels. In Terneuzen, which has five public outdoor pools, local residents have reported repeated disturbances caused by youths from the Belgian capital and Lille. In response, pool operators have introduced different entry fees for locals and visitors.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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