Café Roeloffs has been a household name in Etten-Leur for 134 years. The family business is in trouble after complaints about noise pollution. Regular customers are now donating money to help the cause. After a long day, the counter stands at almost 4,000 euros.
“I think it’s beautiful!”, responds Wim Roeloffs this Sunday from his café. “The people of Leurs support me. They will not let me down,” he says gratefully. He is the fourth generation at the tap, which was previously owned by his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Family friend Lindy Geerts is here this weekend a collection campaign started. About 80 people have now donated. “It really hurts me that those people are suffering so much,” says Lindy. “There are so many beautiful, loving memories of the café. Let’s join forces together and ensure that it continues to exist.”
Nuisance
For a long time there has been a lot to do around the Roeloffs café, also known as Hof van Holland. Apartments have recently been built near the café from 1889. Complaints about noise pollution followed from there.
“The room is not insulated enough,” Wim knows after an inspection. According to him, the roof needs to be insulated, but the walls are too weak. The current floor cannot handle sturdier walls. Ultimately, it is better to rebuild the hall from scratch to meet all noise standards. “That costs tons.”
No more parties
That is why no parties have been held for some time and the space only serves as a practice place for associations for the time being. “He now also has to miss the income from the parties,” sighs Lindy.
It doesn’t stop there. Wim: “Now people are also complaining about the terrace. I haven’t experienced that in 37 years. I have to play police officer. It’s no longer fun doing business like this.” The municipality recently decided that the terrace must close at 11 p.m. instead of 1 a.m.
Wim also wants to take measures against nuisance in the café. Geerts: “They have so many financial obligations that we have decided to try to raise as much money as possible for the family so that they can continue with this wonderful family business!” Wim will retire in a few years, the idea is that his daughter-in-law Anneke will take over the business.
Big procession
There was already a petition to support the owners of the café. There was a major support campaign in July. In a large procession, with a wind band in the lead, the residents walked towards the café to show support. According to ZuidWest TV, there were hundreds of participants.
The municipality of Etten-Leur is trying to mediate between the residents and the café. What happens next? “I don’t know what the future will bring,” Wim concludes.