The ban on cannabis cafes for tourists in Amsterdam has returned to the agenda
A renewed proposal to ban tourists from Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes, known as coffeeshops, is expected to return to the city council agenda after the March 18 local elections.
Since 2012, most of the Netherlands has barred non-residents from coffeeshops to curb drug tourism from neighboring Belgium, France, and Germany. Amsterdam was exempted, provided it closed shops near schools. Authorities now argue the exemption no longer fits efforts to reduce nuisance tourism, especially in De Wallen (Red Light District).
Mayor فيمكه هالسيما supports the ban and the PvdA (Labour Party) has also indicated approval for restrictions in the city center. However, D66 (Democrats 66) and GroenLinks (GreenLeft), expected to be among the largest council parties, oppose the plan. Supporters include the VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) and the CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal), making the issue central to post-election coalition talks, according to Parool newspaper.
Although the mayor has the authority to impose the ban herself, she has said she will only proceed with the backing of the city council. Political divisions mean the final decision is likely to depend on negotiations after the vote.
Experts warn the policy may backfire. Criminology professor ديرك كورف says enforcing such a ban would be difficult and could revive illegal street dealing. He cited Lelystad as an example, where dealers thrived before a licensed coffeeshop opened. Meanwhile, دنجيمان كاومو of residents’ group d’Oude Stadt argues fewer party-focused tourists would visit under a ban, which he says would improve quality of life for locals.