Amsterdam Implements Ban on Public Cannabis Smoking to Address ‘Grim’ Tourist Behavior

Amsterdam’s city council has announced plans to ban smoking cannabis on the streets of the inner city due to concerns over overtourism and its impact on local residents. The city, famous for its cannabis culture, received over 18 million visitors last year, leading to complaints from residents about the livability of the city center. The council stated that mass tourism, as well as alcohol and drug abuse in public spaces, have negatively affected the quality of life for residents.

The ban on smoking joints in public will come into effect from mid-May. If the situation does not improve, the council is considering extending the ban to include the terraces of cannabis coffee shops. These measures aim to address the associated issues of crime, insecurity, and the disruptive behavior of individuals under the influence of drugs.

To tackle overtourism and maintain order, Amsterdam’s city council is introducing a range of new bylaws. In addition to the ban on public cannabis smoking, shops in the inner city will not be permitted to sell alcohol after 4 pm from Thursday to Sunday. They will also have to remove or conceal alcohol bottles and cans from window displays. Sex workers will be required to close their doors at 3 am.

Furthermore, bars, restaurants, and cafes will have to close at 2 am on weekdays and at 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. After 1 am, new customers will not be allowed to enter these establishments. The council also mentioned that drinking alcohol on the street is already prohibited, and measures have been taken against street dealers.

The new measures to tackle overtourism in Amsterdam have received strong support from almost the entire city council. They will be open for consultation with residents and business owners for a month. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts by the city to address the negative behavior and impacts associated with tourism, including the deployment of city hosts to manage crowds and potential restrictions on stag and hen parties in the future.