Amsterdam has launched a digital advertising campaign aimed at young British men, warning them to 'stay away' if they plan to engage in excessive drinking and drug use. The initiative, targeting UK men aged 18 to 35, is part of the city's efforts to curb anti-social behaviour and overtourism.
The online ads, which appear when users search for terms like 'stag party' or 'pub crawl Amsterdam', feature videos of men being arrested, handcuffed, and fingerprinted. The message is clear: a weekend of debauchery could lead to criminal convictions and unwanted memories.
Amsterdam, known for its liberal cannabis cafes and red light district, attracts around 20 million visitors annually, including one million Brits. However, residents have complained about drunken behaviour, public urination, and brawls, prompting the council to take action.
Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki stated that visitors are welcome as long as they behave. New measures include earlier closing times for brothels and bars, and a ban on street cannabis smoking in the red light district from May. The city is also considering moving sex workers to a dedicated 'erotic zone' away from residential areas.
Critics argue the campaign is discriminatory and based on stereotypes. Coffee shop owner Joachim Helms noted that tourists come for both culture and cannabis, and that targeting specific groups violates Amsterdam's principles of tolerance and equality.
Despite the controversy, many locals support the crackdown. The Visser family, who live in the historic canal district, said the city feels like 'Disneyland or a zoo' due to the sheer number of tourists.
