The decision to revoke the building permit for Stockholm's popular nightclub Trädgården has sparked outrage among tens of thousands of residents. Despite widespread opposition, the Sweden Democrats support the county administrative board's decision, citing health concerns. The nightclub, which has operated on temporary permits for 15 years, faces closure after neighbors complained about noise levels.
Controversial Closure of Stockholm's Trädgården Backed by SD
Controversial Closure of Stockholm's Trädgården Backed by SD
Tens of thousands of Stockholm residents have rallied against the decision to revoke the building permit for the nightclub Trädgården. However, the Sweden Democrats in Stockholm support the county administrative board's decision.
– It's ultimately a health issue, says SD's Daniel Kroon to Sveriges Radio.
Last week, the county administrative board in Stockholm announced the revocation of Trädgården's building permit, a decision that could force the nightclub to close.
A petition against the decision has so far gathered over 50,000 signatures, and several political representatives in Stockholm have expressed outrage, promising to do what they can to save the club.
Trädgården: Turbulent, but Hopeful
The past few days have been turbulent for Trädgården's staff, says the club's creative director Johanna Schneider.
– We also have a product that is still running, and then you have to work with this in parallel, so it's quite a sad situation.
But at the same time, she says, she is glad that so many people have rallied and engaged in the nightclub's future.
– In all this misery, it feels wonderful and nice. You actually get a little hope when you see it.
SD Supports the Closure
Among the parties in Stockholm, the Sweden Democrats are the only ones going against the tide. The party's group leader in Stockholm, Gabriel Kroon, believes the county administrative board made a correct assessment.
– The neighbors are the people who have to live there every day. It's ultimately a health issue that you can't sleep properly, that you can't live your life properly in your own apartment. It's an interest that weighs very heavily, says Gabriel Kroon to P4 Stockholm.
Temporary Permits for 15 Years
The background to the nightclub now facing closure is that the area where the nightclub is located is classified as a port area. Despite this, the nightclub has been able to operate through temporary building permits, which have allowed the club to operate for 15 years.
But 15 years is the maximum time a business can receive temporary building permits. When the latest permit expired in January this year, the city of Stockholm tried to save the club with a new, permanent building permit.
However, that decision was appealed by the club's neighbors due to high noise levels to the county administrative board, which then decided to reject the new building permit.