Fuss over terrace policy in Amsterdam between hospitality businesses and residents
Hospitality businesses and residents: it is not always a happy combination. While hospitality entrepreneurs would preferably make as many guests as possible happy with their business, residents are sometimes fed up with the crowds or the noise. And if no clear agreements and enforcement are involved, tensions can run high. And that is exactly what is happening now in Amsterdam.
There is unrest in the capital over the proposed hospitality policy regarding terraces in the city. Autumn is approaching, yet several entrepreneurs still want to keep their terraces open for quite a while in order to compensate somewhat for the damage suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. Not everyone is happy about that.
Two camps
The Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool reported on a well-attended public consultation evening. On one side were residents, who submitted numerous complaints about the nuisance. On the other side were hospitality entrepreneurs, who are frustrated by regulations and uncertainty about their income. They looked for common ground and possibilities for a conversation between the two sides.
Not invited
There was also a letter to the editor in the newspaper, from two residents of the city who state that, when drafting the policy proposal discussed that evening, residents were not given any opportunity to have their say. According to the writers, the municipality drew up the proposal solely in cooperation with Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (the hospitality industry’s interest group), while residents of the areas concerned were not invited to the discussions at all. They wonder how this leaves room for a respectful conversation.
Of course, it remains difficult in a city where people are looking for entertainment while also simply wanting to be able to live normally. We sincerely hope that all parties will engage—and continue to engage—in a constructive and meaningful dialogue!
Source: Het Parool
Also read:
- These are the 100 best terraces in the Netherlands according to Misset Horeca
- The stupidest mistakes I have made in the hospitality industry
- Dutch people do not want to pay for tap water on a terrace
