end of an era
Amsterdam bans smoking weed in the old center
The joints are about to run out in the old center of Amsterdam. photo
© Koen Van Weel/epa/dpa
Amsterdam is taking action: Joints on the canals are no longer allowed. A historic step in the fight against party tourists. The city wants to get rid of the image of sex, drugs and alcohol.
The big warning signs are already hanging in the streets of Amsterdam: “Forbidden to smoke weed. 100 euros fine.” From Thursday it’s time. Then there is a ban on smoking in the old center of the Dutch capital. Cannabis can no longer be smoked on the streets, squares and canals around the red light district. Smoking weed is still allowed in the rest of the city.
It is another measure against the consequences of mass tourism. More than 20 million visitors come to the city with almost 800,000 inhabitants every year. The city says that the red-light district in particular should become safer and more livable for residents. “The atmosphere can get very grim, especially at night.” For years, residents have been complaining about people drinking, bawling and smoking pot on the streets, and British bachelor parties are particularly notorious.
Drinking alcohol on the street is also taboo
The sale of alcohol is already prohibited on weekends from 4 p.m. – outside of the restaurants. You are also not allowed to drink alcohol on the street. Pubs and bars have to close earlier in the red light district, and so does the sex trade. Amsterdam even plans to close the world’s famous red-lit windows and house prostitution in an “erotic center” outside the center.
Especially the party tourists should be warded off. The city launched a ‘Stay Away’ campaign on social media in the UK to deter those who just come to drink, smoke weed and have sex.
The coffee shops remain open
An era ends with the smoking ban. For a good 50 years, smoking a joint was a symbol of Amsterdam’s tolerant image. At the beginning of the 1970s, not only the consumption but also the sale of hashish and marijuana was officially tolerated. No wonder tourists don’t want to believe the ban. “Is that a joke? Asks the Italian Giorgio. The Brit Ian simply wants to take more money with him the next time he visits Amsterdam, “for the penance.” Sofia from Münster asks anxiously: “But the coffee shops will remain open, right?” The Selling the soft drugs in the coffee shops is still allowed.
Neighborhood residents are happy about the ban. “At last something is happening and our concerns are being taken seriously,” says a spokeswoman for the “Stop the madness” citizens’ initiative. But many Amsterdammers doubt that the ban will do much. “Who is supposed to control that?” asks the Association of Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs. “Even the alcohol ban is not enforced”. The city admits there aren’t enough inspectors – but hopes Amsterdam’s image will change. Now, it is said, freedom and tolerance are being abused.