# Knokke-Heist beach concession controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/knokke-heist-beach-concession-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-03T13:36:11.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The municipality of Knokke-Heist has initiated a redistribution of 25 beach bar concessions to comply with European, federal, and Flemish competition regulations. This process includes the launch of Woyo Beach, a new concept in the Zoute area involving entrepreneur Marc Coucke, which is scheduled to begin operations on January 1, 2027.

The reshuffle has caused significant local controversy, as six established names will lose their locations. This has led to public outcry on social media and allegations of favoritism regarding the jury’s decision-making process. Following the announcement, Marc Coucke reported receiving death threats and messages of violence.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Knokke-Heist coastal real estate and beach concession controversy

Demand for Belgian coastal real estate remains high, while controversy surrounds new beach concessions in Knokke-Heist, involving allegations of favoritism and death threats against investor Marc Coucke.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/knokke-heist-coastal-real-estate-and-beach-concession-controversy

### 2026-08-31: Marc Coucke to launch Woyo Beach in Knokke-Heist

Marc Coucke will launch the Woyo Beach concept in Knokke-Heist in 2027, a move part of a concession reshuffle that has sparked local controversy and the loss of several established beach bars.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marc-coucke-to-launch-woyo-beach-in-knokke-heist

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Cite as: Knokke-Heist beach concession controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/knokke-heist-beach-concession-controversy