Westende Residents Petition Against Beach Bar Noise Pollution

Residents of Westende-Bad have launched a new petition against noise pollution from beach bars, saying loud DJ events force them to flee their apartments. The initiative follows an earlier petition last year that failed to change local regulations. Three of the four beach bars in Westende regularly host events with loud music from afternoon until midnight, up to 10 times per season. Organizers say rules are stricter elsewhere, citing Oostende's 85-decibel limit and 11 p.m. cutoff, while Knokke bans discos entirely. Mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker defended the policy, noting bars close at 9 p.m. normally and only reach 95 decibels during permitted events. He dismissed critics as second-home owners, suggesting those seeking quiet should move to the Ardennes.