Modest turnout for anti-terrace protest on Place Sainte-Catherine

On Brussels' Place Sainte-Catherine on Sunday, between 100 and 200 people gathered for a picnic protest against the new terraces there, reports brusselnieuws.be. The picnic was an initiative of the Free 54 movement, which aims to protect the public character of the square.

The modest turnout was well below the expected 400 to 500 participants. According to the Facebook event, more than 2,000 people planned to attend. 

Many were surprised when Brussels minister Marion Lemesre inaugurated the new terraces in July. Even for some café owners it all happened very fast, with parasols and patio furniture changing the face of the square in front of the church in a matter of days. The City of Brussels also removed four public benches to make room for the new terraces.