Smoking cannabis on the streets in the Red Light District in Amsterdam is set to be banned as the Dutch Government looks to crack down on unsociable behavior in one of the most visited parts of the capital.
The Red Light District is a popular spot for tourists in Amsterdam, with the area packed with bars and cafes. You will also find hundreds of sex workers in the Red Light District, all offering their services to onlookers. While prostitution is typically done behind closed doors in other parts of the world, it is front and center in Amsterdam.
You are also able to legally purchase and smoke cannabis in Amsterdam, which attracts many visitors in itself. The recreational drug is still illegal in many parts of the world, making Amsterdam a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy it.
However, in new laws that are set to come into play in the middle of May, tourists and locals alike will no longer be able to smoke the drug in the street in the Red Light District. Instead, they will have to either smoke exclusively in cafes or go to a different part of the city.
Additionally, sex workers will have to close their venues at 3 am each night, bars and restaurants will have to shut at 2 am, and no new visitors will be allowed into the district from 1 am onwards.
Related: 10 Fun Things to do in Amsterdam
Why Is This Happening?
The new laws are being introduced to improve the lives of local residents who have long become frustrated with the disruption caused by tourists in the area. Almost all of Amsterdam’s councilors support the new rules, suggesting that they will be here for the long haul.
While the current rules in place, which prevent anyone from buying alcohol after 4 pm in the area from Thursday to Sunday, were considered substantial by some, they weren’t doing enough to appease residents.
Locals believe that due to the nature of cannabis, street dealers are attracted to the area each night to try and get people to purchase more drugs. A knock-on effect of that is an increase in crime rates in the area, leaving many residents feeling unsafe.
Despite benefitting from millions of tourists each year due to their tolerance to cannabis, the Dutch government is set to launch a campaign in a few months that they hope will deter drug users from visiting the capital. The campaign is titled “stay away” and will target tourists only interested in visiting Amsterdam for drugs and prostitution.
Alternative Things To Do In Amsterdam
On average, around 20 million international travelers visit the Netherlands each year, with the vast majority heading to Amsterdam. The capital city has far more to offer than just legalized cannabis and prostitution, so if you’re heading there any time soon, here are three things you should consider doing.
- Anne Frank’s house – The story of Anne Frank is one of the most harrowing stories from World War Two. The annex where she hid from the nazis for 761 days is in Amsterdam, and tourists can visit it all year round. There is also a museum attached which possesses artifacts from the time.
- Van Gogh Museum – Whether you are a fan of art or not, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit in Amsterdam. It contains the most extensive collection of his work and includes all of his masterpieces.
- A cruise on the canal – Many canals flow through Amsterdam, but the most famous is Herengracht, the Gentleman’s canal. Hop on a cruise and explore the city via the water.
This article was produced and syndicated by The Impulse Traveler.
