Entrepreneurs have lost considerable income during King’s Day in Alkmaar due to the road closures on Magdalenenstraat and Achterstraat. That really has to change next year, says the municipality after the evaluation. “They forgot to inform us and residents in advance. In a conversation, the municipality expressed regret,” responds one of the duped entrepreneurs Cheryl van der Veen.
The municipality decided this year during King’s Day walking routes to steer the crowds at the Waagplein in the right direction. The Achterstraat was closed and one-way traffic applied in the Magdalenenstraat.
The measure led to major disappointments for entrepreneurs from those streets. They were not informed about this beforehand. “We have not been here for a year with the eatery, so we asked the neighbors what we could expect on King’s Day,” Cheryl van der Veen previously stated.
“500 burgers thrown away”
“They said: ‘It’s booming that day’. So we adjusted the purchasing accordingly. Extra staff.” But then it was silent. “I had to throw away at least 500 burgers, more than half of what I bought.”
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A dozen Alkmaar entrepreneurs say they have lost income on King’s Day. Unfortunately, the municipality failed to involve entrepreneurs. The security measures for next year will “pay extra attention to the negative consequences for entrepreneurs”.
Security guards
It has also been decided not to close Magdalenenstraat or to introduce one-way traffic for the next King’s Day. “Here, a couple of security guards will suffice who can address visitors in the event of blockages.”
The entrepreneurs will be involved in such safety measures in the future, the Alkmaar council promises.