The city of Kortrijk in Belgium is working with local venues to develop a step-by-step plan to ensure a safer nightlife for women. The initiative comes in the wake of a spiking scandal that has shocked the community and attracted national political attention.

Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe met with bar owners from the city’s nightlife district on Thursday, just days after five people were arrested on suspicion of drugging women – commonly referred to as ‘spiking’. Among those arrested are the owners of two well-known establishments: De Geverfde Vogel and the now bankrupt Café Patron. Both suspects remain in custody.

Restore confidence

“This is devastating for the victims. Young women must always be able to go out in safety,” said Mayor Vandenberghe. “Most bar owners act responsibly, but the behaviour of a few individuals has damaged the entire sector. We are determined to work together to restore confidence.”

The case involves at least 41 alleged victims and has provoked strong reactions in the Belgian federal parliament. Justice minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) called the events “unacceptable” and vowed to take full responsibility for public safety. “A just society does not stop at punishing the perpetrators – we must also recognise, protect and support the victims,” she told parliament on Thursday.

Call for tougher sentences

Home Affairs minister Bernard Quintin (MR) also issued a strong condemnation, calling for tougher sentences and better support for victims.

The most passionate intervention came from N-VA parliamentary leader Axel Ronse, himself from Kortrijk. He rejected political recriminations and stressed the need for cross-party unity. “Let’s not play political games. Let us stand united – left and right – against these despicable individuals and do everything possible to track them down and prevent further damage”.