It will soon be illegal to smoke cannabis on the streets of Amsterdam's red light district, according to new regulations revealed by BBC journalists . The decision is expected to come into effect in mid-May and is intended to improve the lives of residents who have complained about the scandals caused by tourists.
Sex workers will also have to close their premises at 03.00
Local media reported that almost all councillors supported taking measures to reduce inconvenience for residents. Another decision concerns restaurants and bars. They will have to close on Friday and Saturday at 02:00. Tourists will be able to enter the old part of Amsterdam until 01:00 .
The Dutch capital is well known for its cannabis cafes that attract millions of tourists a year. But locals have complained that drug and alcohol abuse is driving up crime rates. Under current law in the Netherlands, the possession, production or trafficking of drugs is a crime. However, drug use by a person over the age of 18 is not a crime.
