In Maastricht, hundreds of young people have gathered on the Griend. They have come together, among other things, because the municipality of Maastricht has put a stop to the ‘The Night is standing’ campaign.
This action was organized because nightclubs want to draw attention to their dire situation. They want to be open to the public, since many clubs have had (almost) no income for two years.
Also read: Maastricht protest for opening night catering
Complex
Many demonstrators on the Griend, not far from the nightclub Complex, had bought a ticket to go there on Saturday evening. A correspondent estimates that there are about 350 young people, and that it is starting to get busier. The atmosphere is festive, but friendly. In the meantime, police and enforcement personnel are gathering on the other side of the Maas.
Party cancelled
On Saturday afternoon, however, the owners of the Maastricht nightclub decided to cancel the party, because the municipality threatened with a fine of 50,000 euros. “The amount is based on the size and turnover of the case,” a spokesperson responded when asked about the establishment of the amount. In many other cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam, the fine is significantly lower (4500 euros).
Also read: Maastricht threatens nightclub with mega fine of 50,000 euros
Earlier, Lucas de Beaumont, co-owner of the Complex, already called the amount disproportionately high: “We (owners, ed.) could also be detained for seven days.”
Kerkrade
In the Music Dome in Kerkrade, there will be a party on Saturday evening. Hundreds of people are now queuing to get in. It is not known whether the municipality or enforcement will intervene.
The Night rises
The protest action ‘The Night is standing’ was announced last week by the sector organization Nachtbelang and the Overleg Amsterdamse Clubs (OAC). The initiators are tired of the fact that the government’s plans to reopen society do not include nightlife.