Leefbaar and PvdA want longer opening hours for Eurekaweek terraces

A number of student associations set up terraces especially for Rotterdam’s freshers’ week. Right now, these have to close up at 11 p.m. – but if it’s up to political parties Leefbaar Rotterdam and PvdA, the opening hours should be extended during the orientation week.

The Rotterdam student associations RSC/RVSV, SSR, Laurentius, RSG and NSR set up special café terraces near their society buildings for Eurekaweek. These terraces are issued a so-called events permit that allows them to stay open until 11 p.m. Municipal council members Maarten Struijvenberg (Leefbaar Rotterdam) and Kevin van Eikeren (PvdA) are arguing for an extension of the allotted opening hours. Last week the two councillors submitted written questions to Rotterdam’s Municipal Executive.

Eurekaweek 2020

“We believe that in principle, the terraces could stay open until 1 a.m. – particularly if the association has a good track record and it isn’t expected to cause a nuisance for nearby residents,” write Struijvenberg and Van Eikeren. The two councillors have asked the Municipal Executive to confer with the student associations to determine whether the terraces can stay open until 1 a.m. as soon as Eurekaweek 2020.

The Rotterdam Chamber of Student Associations can’t respond to the joint PvdA/Leefbaar Rotterdam proposal just yet, says Chamber president Merel van Lunen. This is the first time they hear of the councillors’ questions to the Executive, and the umbrella organisation wants to confer with the various association boards before issuing an official response.

The student associations rely on their outdoor terraces and parties to draw in new members during Eurekaweek. In August, EM paid a visit to each of the terraces. Read all about our adventures here: