Restaurants and snack bars in Amsterdam must close an hour earlier: people are furious
Femke Halsema, mayor of Amsterdam, has stirred up quite a bit of anger. The reason: restaurants and snack bars in Amsterdam must close an hour earlier. At weekends, they may now stay open only until 2:00 a.m., and on weekdays until 1:00 a.m. Halsema hopes this will regulate crowds and limit nuisance. ‘My sympathies go out to all the business owners for whom 1–3 a.m. were the golden hours.’
That is just one of the many reactions to be found online. Many people are particularly fed up with the ‘green nonsense’. Or, as someone put it: ‘Yet another idea pulled out of the hat by a bunch of green lunatics who are ruining the city.’
Quality of life in Amsterdam
Not all of us are night owls, but for those who like to stay out late, this feels like yet another example of excessive paternalism. It is also a real shame for business owners—especially owners of hospitality venues that peak later at night, such as late-night restaurants and fast-food establishments. ‘This is once again “simply” taking money away from hard-working entrepreneurs.’ According to Halsema, the adjustment is necessary to regulate crowds in the city more effectively. Especially in the city centre, hospitality venues still attract many visitors late in the evening, which causes nuisance, according to Halsema.
But not everyone agrees: ‘A nice greasy bite after a night out, sobering up a bit and then heading home. Isn’t that quality of life in the city?’ Someone else said: ‘Make quality of life better?? Do they want to turn Amsterdam into the new Naarden or something?’ And: ‘Bars and cafés closing at 1:00 a.m. on weekdays? And then you’re the capital of the Netherlands. Ridiculous paternalism that does absolutely nothing for quality of life!’
‘Amsterdam has really become a ridiculously stuffy shithole of a city. Just let people decide for themselves, for goodness’ sake. Where has that Amsterdam “live and let live” spirit gone? To Almere and Purmerend, apparently.’
Hospitality policy 2025
The plans are set out in the Hospitality Policy 2025 drawn up by Halsema. Whereas districts previously applied their own rules, the mayor now wants a uniform policy. With shorter opening hours. The plan still has to be approved by the city council, but if many Amsterdammers had their way, the policy would be taken off the table as soon as possible.
Nothing will change for nightclubs and discotheques. On weekdays, they may remain open until 4:00 a.m., and at weekends until 5:00 a.m. The municipality considers them a separate category and wants to prevent nightlife from shifting to illegal parties.
Read also:
Source: Het Parool
