As of today, tourists and residents are done smoking a joint on the street in the old city center of Amsterdam. Anyone who is smoking weed in the Red Light District risks a fine of 100 euros. Smoking is still allowed on terraces of coffee shops.
In the part of the city center where alcohol was not allowed on the street before, it is no longer allowed to smoke cannabis on the street. According to the municipality, the inner city residents are ‘structurally and excessively bothered by the crowds and nuisance caused by mass tourism and substance abuse in the public space’. It would cause nuisance, especially at night, at the expense of residents’ sleep, quality of life and safety.
The ban is part of the municipality’s plan to limit tourism. The municipality also used the ‘Stay Away’ campaign. The intention was to warn tourists about the risks and consequences of nuisance and excessive alcohol and drug use in the city.
Enforcement
There are earlier this week posted signs in the city center which is prohibited. Both police officers and enforcers of the municipality can issue the fine of 100 euros. Not everyone who lights up a joint will be fined immediately. It has been agreed in the enforcement line that people will be addressed as much as possible if they do smoke pot on the street. If they continue to smoke weed, a warning will be issued first and only then a fine will be issued.