Amsterdam bans cannabis-smoking in red-light district streets to stop 'nuisance'

Amsterdam has banned smoking cannabis in public in its red light district effective mid-May as a part of efforts to curb "nuisance for residents", Nerlands-based Dutch news reported. government will strengn protocols for consumption of alcohol and will order early closure for  bars and brols ‘to give residents more peace late at night,’ city's ministration was quoted as saying, citing official press release. In Nerlands, it is a criminal offense to possess, sell or produce more than 5 grams of cannabis.

 sale of cannabis (hash and marijuana) in coffee shops, however, is tolerated, provided that coffee shops keep to prescribed government rules under  ‘toleration criteria’. In recent months, Dutch government has terminated  complete ‘open door’ policy of coffee shops to sell cannabis and or drugs. 

Complaints about problems 'caused by tourists,' city threatens ban on smoking too

re have been "desperate complaints" about problems caused by some tourists around se areas, officials noted, announcing ban on cannabis and restrictive measures on alcohol sales Thursday evening. Amsterdam hosted some 18 million tourists after European nation lifted nearly all COVID-19 restrictions with businesses resuming full operations last year. 

City executive, Sofyan Mbarki, who presides over policies implemented in red light areas, h previously tightened  measures in November to strike a balance between tourism and city life for residents. A ‘stay away’ campaign was launched by angry residents who took law and order into ir own hands with ‘Wallen watch’ patrolling red light streets. 

Smoking cannabis is now banned in public in inner city, and officials are warning that y will take strict actions if  takeaway cannabis sales were felicitated between 4 pm and 1 am from Thursday to Sunday nights.

"If nuisance does not reduce, it may look at forbidding smoking in coffee shops’ outside space too," Dutch news quoted city's ministration as warning cannabis sellers. 

"Locals wanted to remind tourists of ir manners, and campaign group ‘Stop de Gekte’ (stop mness) campaigned repeatedly for council action," according to Dutch news. Amsterdam city's spokeswoman in a press release noted that a lot of people "are under influence (of drugs and alcohol) and hang around for a long time. This comes at expense of a good night’s sleep for residents and liveability and safety of whole neighbourhood." She labelled  atmosphere in red light areas as "dire, particularly at night".

Alcohol sales were forbidden by officials in non-licensed establishments. Effective May, shops were ordered to remove alcohol from public display. Restaurants and bars will have to shut at 2 am, as per new protocols, and brols were ordered to close down at 3 am inste of 6 am.