Amsterdammers who wanted to watch the quarterfinals of the Dutch national team on a terrace this Friday do not have to bring their thick winter coat and hat to the café. Even during the quarterfinals, no televisions are allowed on the terrace.
Mayor Femke Halsema’s spokesperson said this AT5. Halsema previously announced after questions from the VVD that TV screens on the terrace are not allowed during the group stage of the tournament. Halsema wanted to take another look there for the knockout phase.
In any case, the party will not continue for the quarterfinals. It is not yet clear whether the TV screens may be displayed outside for a possible semi-final or even the final of Orange.
Against the rules
The arrival of TV screens on the terrace in winter is prevented by the established rules for terraces. After all, televisions are only allowed on terraces in the summer and even then under the condition that they cannot be viewed from the public road. Halsema could make an exception, but has not yet done so.
80 men in a tent
When asked whether people would look outside at all, John Sijmons of café De Oude Schaeper has a clear answer. “There would be absolute enthusiasm. I broadcast all matches and it is busy every day. At the last match of Orange, people were even outside looking through the windows,” says the owner of the pub near Hugo de Grootplein. know. According to Sijmons, the fairly cool temperatures should not be a problem. “I wanted to set up a tent and about 80 people could have fit in it. You certainly wouldn’t have been cold with a coat on.”
“I just think it’s a shame. I understand that they have to comply with the rules. But if you could do it nicely on the terrace, I don’t see a problem.” Sijmons hopes that Halsema will allow the TV screens for the semi-final and final. Even if the Netherlands would not make it to the next round, De Oude Schaeper would still like to broadcast the matches outside.
Response VVD
Claire Martens, leader of the VVD, also thinks it is a shame that the mayor does not promise the screens for Friday. “I hoped the mayor thought it would be looked at. Catering entrepreneurs were really looking forward to it,” said Martens.
“I can understand that because of the terrace permit it was not possible for the upcoming match, but if all goes well there will be a semi-final and I will certainly ask questions if it is possible. It has been said that it would be looked at seriously So I hope the mayor does too.”