Background

In December 2021, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced the closures, introduced to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. De Croo also restricted people from sports stadiums and imposed capacity limitations in stores, in addition to shutting down entertainment venues. Belgium was not the only European country to enact similar legislation, as Denmark and the Netherlands had done previously. [1]

A union representing actors, performers, and movie theatre owners petitioned the government to overturn its ruling. Thousands of entertainment workers and supporters marched in Brussels on Sunday, accusing the government of “contempt, discrimination, and abuse,” but to no avail, as Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke told state broadcaster RTBF earlier on Tuesday that “there is no possibility to immediately revise the decision.” [1]

Significance

This case challenges the legality for government enforced closures

Plaintiff’s Argument

…More information is needed…

…More information is needed…

Relevant Prior Judgements/ Cases

A court in Wallonia declared earlier this month that requiring vaccination passes to enter cafes, restaurants, gyms, and other locations was illegal in the region. While the pass is a national government initiative, individual regions are in charge of enforcing its use. (Authorities in Wallonia, on the other hand, have appealed the ruling and stated that vaccine passes will continue to be required.) [1]

Decision

The government’s decision to close cinemas, theatres, and other entertainment venues in Belgium has been overturned. [1]

The judgment was made on Tuesday by Belgium’s Council of State, the country’s highest administrative court, nearly a week after Prime Minister De Croo announced the closures. [1]

Aftermath

…More information is needed…

Further Research

Court Documents:

• Read the Court Ruling

In the news:

• …More information is needed…

Media

Keyword

Belgium, Brussels, Capacity, Cinema, Cinemas, Closure, Council of State, De Croo, Entertainment, Health Minister, Passes, Prime Minister, Stadiums, Theatres, Vandenbroucke, Wallonia