The knife ban announced by the municipality of Assen for the central area has been in force since last Saturday.
The ban applies retroactively for one year, and anticipates a national ban with which the cabinet wants to restrict the sale and possession of knives.
“With this ban, we want to ensure that fewer people have a weapon with them and that fewer people become victims of violence with weapons,” writes the municipality of Assen.
Weapons such as stilettos and butterfly knives are already banned. According to the municipality, other stabbing weapons whose possession is not punishable, such as kitchen and pocket knives, are often found. “These weapons are only prohibited if they are used to threaten or injure someone. When this has happened, it is already too late. That is why it is necessary to act earlier.”
Last month, VVD and city party PLOP urged a knife ban in the Asser city center through a motion. They received unanimous support from the other parties. A few days before the proposal was submitted, there was a stabbing on Koopmansplein.
For example, having a kitchen knife in the public space of the city center (such as streets, squares and parks) can result in a fine. If you keep the knife in the packaging, that is permitted, the municipality emphasizes.