Club Rules

 

Article 1: General Provisions

a. TheMerode (“the Club”) is a private members’ and corporate club operated by TheMerode SA, Place Poelaert 6, 1000 Brussels.

b. These Rules form part of the Membership Agreement and apply to all members and their guests.

c. TheMerode fosters intellectual and creative curiosity across cultural, social, and economic backgrounds through a program of talks, experiences, and encounters.

d. While the Club is based in Brussels, it may also host off-site events.

e. The Club may close temporarily for maintenance (up to five weeks in summer and two weeks in winter).

f. For questions: members@themerode.com.

g. It is specified that these Club Rules must be read in conjunction with the applicable Terms and Conditions, which, in the event of any inconsistency, shall prevail.

 

Article 2: Membership

a. Applications are submitted online. Candidates must accept these Rules, the Terms & Conditions, the Privacy Policy, and the Ethical Charter. Admission is at the sole discretion of the Screening Board.

b. Categories:

• Classic Membership: for individuals aged 34 and above.
• Next Gen Membership: for individuals aged 18–33, at a reduced rate.
• Partner Membership: for couples at the same address, proof required annually.

c. Membership runs for one year from acceptance and renews automatically unless cancelled in writing at least one month before renewal.

d. A one-time joining fee applies (except Next Gen). Annual fees are set by the Club and may change. Late payment may result in suspension or cancellation.

e. Membership may be suspended for 60–180 days for medical or professional reasons (with proof).

f. The Club’s Screening Board may revoke the membership for good cause. This includes, but is not limited to:    

• misconduct which amounts to a failure to comply with the Club Rules or with the Club's Ethical Charter;
• conviction for a misdemeanour or felony;
• non-payment of the annual fee or of two consecutive monthly payments.

Any other action that is judged inappropriate by the Screening Board may also lead to a termination of the membership. The appreciation of any inappropriate behavior remains solely at the discretion of the Screening board.

The Club may, if it deems it appropriate and relevant, issue the member concerned with a first, and subsequently a second and final, warning. It is, however, specified that the Club is under no obligation to do so. In case of a consequential breach, the Screening Board may decide to revoke immediately the membership and doing so without any prior warning.

For all other consequences regarding misconduct we refer to our terms and conditions.

g. By joining, members consent to the use of images taken at Club events in TheMerode’s communications.

h. Event cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Late cancellations or no-shows result in warnings; three warnings lead to a 10-day suspension from event registration.

 

Article 3: Use of Club Premises

a. Members have access to all facilities: restaurants, lounge, coworking areas, garden, and program, subject to availability.

b. Dining and private rooms require reservations.

c. The Club is not liable for personal belongings. Large bags must be left in the cloakroom.

d. Dress code: personal expression is welcome. Refinement is required. Entry may be refused to anyone not appropriately presented.

e. Members are responsible for any damages caused.

f. Illegal substances are strictly forbidden. Membership will be terminated immediately in case of possession or use.

g. Mobile phones and laptops may be used respectfully; The Stables is laptop-free during lunch service (11am –3 pm).

h. Filming or streaming of events is prohibited without prior consent.

i. Smoking and vaping are only permitted outside at the front of the building.

j. Video surveillance is in place; recordings are kept for one month.

k. Outside food and drink are not permitted, unless medically necessary.

 

Article 4: Guests

a. Members may bring up to three guests per visit.

b. Guests may attend Club events up to three times per year.

c. Members must accompany guests and are responsible for their conduct, attire, and payments.

d. Guests may not access the co-working.

e. Guests must be registered in advance; QR code check-in is required.

 

Article 5: Conduct & Community

a. The Club is built on respect, courtesy, and discretion.

b. Discrimination, harassment, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

c. Employees must be treated with respect at all times.

d. Photography or recording requires prior approval.

e. Confidentiality is essential: conversations, events, or member identities may not be shared without consent.

 

Article 6: Payments

a. Restaurant and bar bills must be settled on site.

b. Event and room rentals must be paid in advance.

c. Late payment may result in penalties and suspension.

 

Article 7: Children & Pets

a. Children are welcome only during designated times and family events.

b. Pets are not allowed, except certified service animals.

 

Article 8: Private Events

a. Only members may host private events.

b. Branding is not allowed in shared spaces.

c. Invoices are issued in the member’s name only.

d. Confidentiality of private events must be respected.

 

Article 9: Reciprocal Clubs

a. Members may access reciprocal clubs via introduction.

b. Visiting members from reciprocal clubs may use TheMerode when introduced in advance.

c. Misconduct at a reciprocal club may result in termination of membership.

 

Article 10: Corporate Club

a. The Corporate Club unites Belgian and international companies.

b. Membership includes nominated individuals, corporate credits, and entry to corporate experiences.

c. Company members must adhere to TheMerode’s values and B-Corp principles.

 

Article 11: Amendments & Legal 

a. These Rules may be updated with notice.

b. They are governed by Belgian law under the jurisdiction of the French-speaking courts of Brussels.

 

Article 12: Closing Note

a. TheMerode is proud to call Brussels — a European capital of diversity, diplomacy, and innovation — its home.

b. We offer a welcoming, elegant, and forward-looking space where people and ideas come together.

c. Welcome to our community!