A fitness business in Maastricht is considering terminating a customer’s membership due to complaints about the man’s strong body odor. The business claims to have had several discussions with the man about the issue, approaching it with care and integrity given the sensitivity of the subject. Despite recommendations to take showers and use more deodorant, the man allegedly did not respond well to the feedback.
According to Dutch regulations, fitness businesses have the right to ban individuals who cause disturbances based on their internal rules. In light of this precedent, set by a judge who ruled that unpleasant body odor can be considered a form of nuisance that justifies taking action, such as banning people from the premises. This precedent was set when a library sought to exclude a person with smelly sweaty feet.
The decision to terminate a membership due to body odor may seem harsh, but it reflects the importance of maintaining a pleasant and comfortable environment for all patrons. Ultimately, the fitness business aims to uphold its standards of cleanliness and hygiene to ensure a positive experience for everyone.