Amsterdam bans smoking cannabis on Red Light District streets to stop 'harassment'
Written byTimes Magazine
Amsterdam has banned public smoking of cannabis in its red-light district from mid-May as part of efforts to curb "nuisance to residents," the Netherlands-based Dutch press reported.
The government will tighten protocols on alcohol consumption and order bars and brothels to close early "to give residents more peace and quiet late at night," the city government said, citing the official press release. In the Netherlands, it is a criminal offense to possess, sell or produce more than 5 grams of cannabis.
However, the sale of cannabis (hashish and marijuana) in coffeeshops is tolerated as long as the coffeeshops comply with government regulations set out in the “Criteria of Tolerance”. In recent months, the Dutch government has ended the "open door" policy for coffeeshops selling cannabis and other drugs.
Complaints about "tourism-caused" problems, city also threatens smoking ban
There have been "desperate complaints" about the problems some tourists have caused in those areas, officials said, announcing a cannabis ban and restrictive measures on alcohol sales on Thursday night. Amsterdam welcomed around 18 million tourists after the European nation lifted nearly all COVID-19 restrictions last year and businesses resumed full operations.
City councilor Sofyan Mbarki, chairman of the policies implemented in red zones, earlier in November tightened measures to help residents balance tourism and city life. Angry residents launched a "stay away" campaign, taking law and order into their own hands while Wallen Watch patrolled the red light streets.
Smoking cannabis in public in the city center is now banned, and authorities are warning they will take strict action if take-away cannabis sales take place between 4pm. M. and 1 o'clock M. from Thursday to Sunday night.
"The locals wanted to remind tourists of their manners, and the campaign group 'Stop de Gekte' (Stop the madness) has repeatedly lobbied for action by the municipality," says the Dutch news. The spokeswoman for the city of Amsterdam noted in a press release that many people are “under the influence of (drugs and alcohol) and spending a lot of time. This comes at the expense of a good night's sleep for residents and the livability and safety of the entire neighborhood". She described the atmosphere in the red-light districts as "terrible, especially at night".
City councilor Sofyan Mbarki, chairman of the policies implemented in red zones, earlier in November tightened measures to help residents balance tourism and city life. Angry residents launched a "stay away" campaign, taking law and order into their own hands while Wallen Watch patrolled the red light streets.
Smoking cannabis in public in the city center is now banned, and authorities are warning they will take strict action if take-away cannabis sales take place between 4pm. M. and 1 o'clock M. from Thursday to Sunday night.
"The locals wanted to remind tourists of their manners, and the campaign group 'Stop de Gekte' (Stop the madness) has repeatedly lobbied for action by the municipality," says the Dutch news. The spokeswoman for the city of Amsterdam noted in a press release that many people are “under the influence of (drugs and alcohol) and spending a lot of time. This comes at the expense of a good night's sleep for residents and the livability and safety of the entire neighborhood". She described the atmosphere in the red-light districts as "terrible, especially at night".
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