EU
Amsterdam enforces marijuana smoking ban
Marijuana smoking ban in Amsterdam’s red light district went into force on Thursday, as part of the city’s first female mayor’s attempt to clean up the sector.
Signs were placed in the canal-lined district famed for its brothels, sex clubs, and cannabis cafés, which draw millions of tourists each year but are a nuisance to residents.
People who violate the prohibition now face a punishment of 100 euros ($110).
Femke Halsema, the city mayor, has vowed to enhance working conditions for sex workers while also reducing crime and excessive drug and alcohol usage.
Discussions are underway to move sex and drug tourism out of the city centre, but there is opposition from residents in locations that have been proposed as alternatives.
People will still be allowed to smoke inside and on the terraces of coffee shops selling marijuana and hash in the district and other parts of the city.
