Tourists seeking a wild weekend often flock to Amsterdam. The European destination has a reputation for easy access to cannabis along with prostitution and party atmosphere.
But now the city is seeking to reclaim its streets with a close look at the laws surrounding sale and use of alcohol and drugs. According to The Telegraph documents published on Wednesday could see the end of British tourists heading there simply for a blow out weekend.
Under the proposals Sofyan Mbarki, the deputy mayor for the inner city, is hoping to take back the city for its residents and respectful visitors. If approved the plans could see an immediate ban on smoking cannabis in public areas in the Red Light District followed by checks on whether a ban on sale can be imposed between 4pm on Thursdays and Sunday evenings, similar to one imposed on alcohol sales in the area during the pandemic.
Many people living in the area say British tourists on blow-out weekends are one of the biggest nuisances. Other measures reportedly being investigated include tightening rules on Airbnb-style rentals and limiting party boats from docking in the Red Light District.
The Mayor Femke Halsema has reportedly been trying to ban tourists from cannabis-selling coffeeshops entirely and the council is wanting to move the brothel windows to a new erotic centre.
Some hotel owners have backed the plans. Marco Lemmers, the owner of Conscious Hotels, already declines stag parties.
He said: “I believe in a sort of tourism that has good temporary citizens: people, maybe only for a day or weekend, who are just part of the society. Good temporary citizens do not pee through the mailbox. Together, we should change the profile of Amsterdam.”
