The Eindhovense VVD has taken the initiative to extend the opening times of catering businesses from 8 am to 6 am and it seemed that the majority of the council backed it. The party shall submit a formal proposal at the next council meeting.
One of the catering businesses involved, Meneer de Boer on Keizersgracht, responded enthusiastically to the political support.
At the moment catering businesses may only open from 8 am. Hotels can now apply for exemption to this rule, provided that they offer an alcohol-free breakfast. The exemption is obtained from the APV and automatically allows hotels to serve an alcohol-free breakfast from 6 am. During the next council meeting the VVD will submit a proposal to make this possible for other businesses in the catering industry.
This will create a level playing field and, according to the VVD, will “take into account the wish of various business owners and general developments in society.” It could also mean that from 1 July, when the new APV comes in, the 6 am opening time will also become the standard. In the meantime, the majority of fractions have already indicated that they will back the proposal.