Amsterdam Taking Steps to Make, the Red Light District Safer.
CNN reports that Amsterdam will ban the use of
marijuana on the street, while also taking new steps
to discourage alcohol use in the red light district.
Residents of the old city center experience
a lot of nuisance from mass tourism
and alcohol and drug abuse on the street, Municipality of Amsterdam statement, via CNN.
Tourists also attract street dealers,
who in turn promote criminality
and insecurity. Especially at night,
the atmosphere can become grim.
People who are under the influence
also stick around longer, Municipality of Amsterdam statement, via CNN.
According to the municipality, , “Residents cannot sleep well and the neighborhood
is becoming unsafe and unliveable.”.
CNN reports that the new rules
will take effect in mid-May.
An estimated 10% to 15% of Amsterdam's tourist
industry is from the city's red light district, the
traditional center of the city’s legal sex work trade.
According to city officials, the goal is to draw visitors
who appreciate the city's unique heritage, architecture
and culture, as opposed to sex and drugs.
In 2023, Amsterdam is expected to
see over 18 million overnight visitors. .
By 2024, that number has
the potential to reach 23 million, plus
an additional 24-25 million day visitors.
CNN reports that when the number of overnight
visitors reaches 18 million, the city council will
be "obliged to intervene" per a 2021 ordinance.
CNN reports that when the number of overnight
visitors reaches 18 million, the city council will
be "obliged to intervene" per a 2021 ordinance