From the Archives: In Belgium, neighborhood convenience stores run by immigrants and ethnic minorities are facing prejudice and fines. But these shops are a vital part of a city in flux.
Cities have always been places where different customs, cultures, and individuals come in contact. In Antwerp, Belgium, a large network of nachtwinkels, or “night shops,” sells a basic selection of food, beverages, cigarettes, and toiletries. These neighborhood convenience stores, found across the city, are in many cases operated by immigrants and ethnic minorities, commonly from countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Morocco.
But recently, Antwerp’s night shops have become the targets of controversial policies introduced by the right-wing city council. In December 2014, the council announced that any shops deemed to be imagoverlagende, literally “image-lowering,” would be subject to a large initial fine of 6,000 euros, in addition to a significant annual tax. The night shops, in particular, were said to lower the image of the city. However, to many people, this is not a tax—it is an unjust and discriminatory penalty.
Several groups, including political parties and civil rights organizations, have accused Antwerp’s city council of “hidden racism,” while the council justifies the policy as necessary for “economic progress.” The night shops are now a significant focus of debate regarding the role of local government, policies of assimilation, and the treatment of ethnic minorities.