February 21, 2023
Amsterdam, Netherlands is trying to lesson abhorrent behavior by tourists in the Red Light District by banning alcohol and cannabis consumption on popular streets.
A statement was released February 9, 2023, confirming that visitors will not be able tosmoke drugs in the old city center of Amsterdam. Alcohol use was previously restricted and will further include the ban of sales from Thursday evening to Sunday, forcing businesses to remove alcoholic beverages from shelves.
The measures plan to take effect from mid-May after public responses and reactions have been discussed.
Amsterdam has always been considered ahead of its time with respect to the legalization of cannabis and prostitution. They currently have three Red Light Districts, the most famous being De Wallen with over 290 sex-related businesses and 160 coffee shops that sell marijuana.
Netherlands is also the third largest manufacturer of medical marijuana in Europe with coffee shops selling over $1 billion (USD) in cannabis yearly.
Cover Image: Kireyonok_Yuliya