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Tourists smoking pot in Amsterdam's red light district: a picture that will soon be a thing of the past?

Photo: Ramon von Flymen / ANP / IMAGO

In the old center of Amsterdam, smoking weed will only be allowed to a very limited extent in the future. Cannabis can no longer be smoked on streets, squares and canals around the Red Light District. For the rest of the city, the rules do not apply.

It is another measure against the consequences of mass tourism. More than 20 million visitors come to the city of around 800,000 inhabitants every year. The red light district in particular should become safer and more livable for residents, says the city. "Especially at night, the atmosphere can get very grim." For years, residents have been complaining about drinking, yelling and smoking pot people on the streets, especially the British bachelor parties are notorious.

"Forbidden to smoke pot. 100 Euro fine«

The sale of alcohol is already prohibited on weekends from 16 p.m. – outside 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 this also applies to the sex trade. Amsterdam is even planning to close the world-famous red-lit windows and place prostitution in an "erotic center" outside the center.

Especially the party tourists are to be fended off. The city launched a "Stay Away german" campaign on social media in the UK to deter those who only come to drink, smoke weed and have sex.

The smoking ban marks the end of an era. For more than 50 years, smoking a joint was a symbol of Amsterdam's tolerant image. At the beginning of the seventies, not only the consumption but also the sale of hashish and marijuana were officially tolerated. Now warning signs hang in the streets of Amsterdam: "Forbidden to smoke pot. 100 Euro fine.« The sale of soft drugs in the coffee shops is still allowed.

Residents of the neighborhood are happy about the new rules. "Finally something is happening, and our concerns are being taken seriously," says a spokeswoman for the citizens' initiative "Stop the madness". But many Amsterdammers doubt that the ban will achieve much. "Who's going to control that?" asks the Association of Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs. "Even the ban on alcohol is not enforced." The city admits that there are not enough inspectors – but hopes that the image of Amsterdam will change.

bbr/dpa