"Some people say that Amsterdam is a city of sin, but in fact it is a city of freedom. And in freedom, many people commit sins. ” - John Green.
Local authorities in Amsterdam will no longer allow "mass crowds" to spread in the city before the pandemic, warning visitors who intend to "drink, misbehave or dress like a penis" to go elsewhere.
"Visitors who respect Amsterdam and the people of Amsterdam have always been welcome," the city council said (via the Guardian). "Visitors who treat our residents and heritage with disrespect are not welcome. The message for them is: Do not come to Amsterdam. "
Temporary restrictions on alcohol and sound systems can and will be imposed in places where there are more than 2,035 people. The mayor of the city, Femke Halsema, told the Het Parool newspaper that Amsterdam could not refuse people, but was trying to encourage more cultural tourism and reduce levels of concern.
The city promotion agency, amsterdam & partners, is launching an online poster and information campaign to raise awareness of "desired behavior". The city "does not want to be disturbed by bad behavior - like noise, public urination, drunkenness on the streets," a spokesman told Dutchnews. "So we are launching an activation campaign aimed at the kind of behavior we want."
Last year, the municipality unveiled its next plan to ban non - residents at 166 cannabis-selling cafes, following a survey showing that 58% of foreign tourists visit Amsterdam primarily to consume cannabis.
She has also submitted proposals to build a five-story "erotic center" outside the city with two bars, 100 small rooms and an "erotic entertainment" site as part of a plan to close many of the windows of sex workers in Red Light.
Rob Hofland, a D66 party adviser, told DutchNews that it was "only a matter of time" before tourists grew up: "If you plan to see the most beautiful city in the world, come to Amsterdam. If your goal is to drink alcohol and misbehave, dressed like a penis, look elsewhere! "
