"Best bar in the world" closed after stabbing
In Rotterdam, Café De Witte Aap has been told to close its doors for at least two weeks after a 33-year-old man from Capelle aan den IJssel was wounded in a stabbing last Wednesday, the NOS reports.
The victim was arguing with a 43-year-old man from Rotterdam. On the terrace, the suspect pulled a knife out and stabbed the victim with it in his torso. The suspect fled, but was caught soon after.
Café De Witte Aap was chosen as best bar in the world by Lonely Planet in 2009, but now its fate is not known. It may have to remain closed for longer than two weeks.
According to the NOS, GroenLinks is against shutting the bar. Council member Arno Bonte argues that the bar owner had no hand in the incident, and should therefore not be punished in this way.
Jos Verveen of the D66 says the bar should be opened again as soon as possible, "in terms of days rather than weeks" if it is concluded that the owner was not negligent.
