New application for Volendam fire cafe

New application for Volendam fire cafe
The Edam-Volendam Council has received a permit application from a the Wir War Bar, which was located in the same building as cafe De Hemel, where 14 youths died in a New Year's Eve fire several years ago. Dutch associated press ANP said a council spokesperson would not confirm that De Hemel owner Jan Veerman submitted the application, but the council admitted it has sent a letter to him stating that it was unpleasantly surprised by the application.

The council's letter referred to a previous written confirmation from Veerman that out of respect for the victims he would not use the building for horeca — hotel, restaurant and cafe — purposes.  Fire engulfed the Volendam cafe on the New Year's Eve of 31 December 2000, killing 14 youths and injuring about 200 more and Veerman wrote to the council last October confirming he would not use the building for entertainment industry purposes.

He took the decision after being informed by the council that it would not assist him to temporarily re-open the Wir War Bar and De Blokhut, both of which are located in the same building as De Hemel. The council said it will assess the new application to the letter of the law, meaning it will give its decision within six weeks.