‘GO GIGGLE ELSEWHERE:’ Public weed ban begins in Amsterdam

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Amsterdam has long been a popular destination spot for curious tourists, but the city’s residents have wanted to clean up the area – particularly the red-light district – for years.

The tourism factor was good but the increase in crime and alcohol and drug abuse in the streets were becoming a concern.

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So in February, Amsterdam’s first female mayor, Femke Halsema, campaigned that she was going to make the neighbourhood more liveable for residents.

The ban on smoking cannabis in public along the canal-lined section of town where brothels, sex shops and strip clubs reign supreme is now in effect.

Residents and tourists and residents face a $145 fine for public cannabis smoking in and around the red-light district.

“Finally, smoking cannabis is banned in public spaces,” Diederik Boomsma, a Christian Democratic Appeal councillor told the Guardian.

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“This will send an important message to the gormless and feckless who think they can come here on a holiday from morality,” she continued. “Newsflash to all potheads: go giggle elsewhere! Let’s hope that the citizens of Amsterdam reclaim their ancient, beautiful city centre from the glassy-eyed zombies.”

But while the fumes of pot smoke no longer pollutes the area, local shop owners are concerned about the impact it will have on their businesses.

“The soul of the neighbourhood, what makes it so extraordinary, is slowly being pulled out,” said Jim Zielinski, a board member of business group Biz Burgwallen. “It’s like a game of Jenga: each time they take a block away and at some point the whole pile will collapse.”

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He added cannabis smoking really isn’t the issue, stressing the city should get a better handle on “safety, littering, the people who walk around the streets screaming and have no respect.”

Since the cannabis smoking ban is contained within De Wallen – “the old city walls” – some, including bed and breakfast owner Maarten Bruinsma, are concerned it will cause confusion for tourists and residents.

“The rules will be difficult for visitors to understand because they might be able to smoke on the other side of the canal, or on a private terrace in the red-light district.”