The open and free character of Amsterdam gives many visitors the wrong impression that “everything is allowed and everything is allowed”. The measures mainly affect nightlife.
Gastronomy and window prostitution must close earlier and stricter action must be taken against bachelor parties and organized pub crawls. A “discouragement campaign” is aimed at international tourists who want to “blow off steam” in the capital.
The planned weed ban in parts of the city center is not aimed at sales in coffee shops. The “Blow ban” is rather intended, just like the existing alcohol ban, to prohibit open-air consumption in certain squares and streets, otherwise one risks a hefty fine.
The ban is part of a package of measures with which Amsterdam wants to arm itself against ‘overtourism’, the prospect that many more tourists than allowable will enter the city. More than 18 million visitors are expected in 2023. This means that the self-imposed limit of 20 million tourists has almost been reached, the municipality explains.
Amsterdam has 900,000 inhabitants. The stricter rules will be adopted by the city council shortly before Christmas.
(SDA)