Officials are taking public comment on a variety of proposed measures over the next four weeks before finalizing amendments to city regulations.
Under the measures announced on Thursday, the smoking ban will take effect in mid-May. The city could take more action if the ban doesn’t go far enough to reduce nuisance behavior.
Also under consideration: banning the sale of takeaway drugs in cafes at certain times and potentially restricting smoking on cafe terraces.
The Netherlands is tolerant policy for weed, meaning people won’t be prosecuted if they buy up to 5 grams of marijuana, which is classified as a “light drug” and is sold in cafes. Only visitors 18 years of age or older are allowed to enter cannabis cafes, where alcohol is not allowed. Although marijuana can be consumed in cafes, most clubs or bars do not allow people to smoke on site.
The city issues permits for brothels and sex clubs to operate. According to the rules that have been decided, brothels will only be able to stay open until 3am, not 6am closing as now. Licensed restaurants and sex facilities will have to close at 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, instead of 3 or 4 a.m.
No new visitors are allowed into licensed food service establishments after 1 a.m., English publication NL Times report. The publication says the time changes will go into effect on April 1.
Officials also want to close the terrace at 1 a.m. in the summer, a change from the previous closing time of 2 a.m.
Alcohol sales at stores and cafeterias in the county will continue to be blocked starting at 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The city said alcohol displays must also be removed from stores or hidden from view. Visitors were not allowed to drink on the street.
Amsterdam has been trying for years to address concerns about overcrowding, limit several tours of the historic pre-pandemic Red Light District and voting to transfer prostitutes to a porn center outside the county in 2021. According to a Nov. story However, according to the Guardian, residents of neighborhoods proposed to relocate don’t want businesses — and workers don’t want to move either.
At the end of last year, the authorities speak they have planned to take steps to address tourism problems, including limiting river cruises, limiting loud bachelorette parties, cracking down on pub gatherings that can organize and take other measures. Part of the plan includes a number of rules announced this week, such as reducing hours for sex businesses and food establishments and banning smoking in some parts of the city.
A campaign is expected to begin this year to discourage global travelers from partying in the city.
“Amsterdamians live in every neighborhood, including the Red Light District and Leidseplein,” official visitor site I’m Stedam speak. “Limit noise and get drunk, clean up your mess and don’t pee in the canals. Remember the locals and they will greet you with open arms.”
