Amsterdam has unveiled a plan to combat the negative effects of mass tourism in the Dutch capital, which includes a ban on the use of cannabis in public places and limiting the opening hours of restaurants or places of prostitution.
The measures, announced this Thursday by the city council of Amsterdam, should come into force from mid-May, according to the Europa Press agency.
The outdoor smoking ban is meant to respond to the constant and growing criticism from residents.
“If the annoyance is not reduced sufficiently, we will explore whether we can ban smoking on the terraces of the coffee shops,” the city authorities warned in a statement.
Similarly, the Chamber of Amsterdam has advised that restrictions on opening hours for restaurants and places of prostitution will apply over the weekend.
A schedule is also being set for a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages, as well as their consumption on public roads, for which “measures against street vendors” will be taken.
“These proposed measures for the red light district should further neutralize the huge inconvenience, especially at night,” the municipality of Amsterdam said in a defense.
The municipality added that the new rules for a well-known area of the Dutch capital also include restricting traffic in one direction and the possibility of closing the streets of the Red Light District “during periods of maximum activity.”
“Residents of the historic center are suffering greatly from mass tourism and alcohol and drug abuse on the streets. Tourists are also attracted to street vendors, which in turn breed crime and insecurity,” said the Amsterdam Chamber.