A shut down hand car wash in Genk, Belgium has received permission to reopen. Not so long ago, the city counted five hand car washes. But they all had to close after allegations of human trafficking and breaking environmental laws.

From Belgium news source VRT we learn, the very last hand car wash of Genk had applied to reopen over the summer, after it closed in February. The application was eventually approved. The hand car wash on the Maaseikerbaan is still closed for now, but will open during the course of next week.

The conditional permit does come with strict conditions attached. These include “adapted opening hours and the presence of one of the business managers. All staff working there should be able to present a written contract when asked for it by the authorities.

Benefit of the doubt

The city council says it has nothing against hand car washes. As long as they adhere to the strict standards of the city of Genk. “There are certainly still a lot of concerns left, but we want to give them the benefit of the doubt,” Mayor Wim Dries (CD&V) told the VRT. “But make no mistake”, he added, “If they abuse this opportunity, they will close indefinitely. We will closely monitor the situation.”

Bad reputation

Like in many other countries, hand car washes in Belgium have a bad reputation. Which is why they regularly receive a thorough inspection. Of the former five hand car washes in Genk, two have even been convicted of human trafficking. Environmental and opening conditions were also violated.

Also read:

• British car wash boss given anti-slavery order
• Car Wash Association warns about modern slavery
• UK Police clamp down on illegal car washes