The reason for the appeal is the situation at Blariacumcollege in Blerick. There, students are opting en masse for shawarma sandwiches from a snack bar. This week, the situation prompted the CDA and SP to ask for an investigation into the possibility of banning fast-food stalls around schoolyards. According to CDA councillor Tom Verhaegh, this could be done by issuing permits on a street-by-street basis.
Sjoerd van der Wouw of Foodwatch says that a tough approach is necessary. “Millions of euros in taxpayers’ money are being spent to make schools healthier. Entrepreneurs who set up their carts near a school are torpedoing those plans, at the expense of children’s health.”
The municipal authorities of Venlo have agreed to investigate a possible ban. The legal feasibility and ways of preventing a waterbed effect will also be examined.