Amsterdam Taking Steps to Make, the Red Light District Safer.<br />CNN reports that Amsterdam will ban the use of <br />marijuana on the street, while also taking new steps <br />to discourage alcohol use in the red light district.<br />Residents of the old city center experience <br />a lot of nuisance from mass tourism <br />and alcohol and drug abuse on the street, Municipality of Amsterdam statement, via CNN.<br />Tourists also attract street dealers, <br />who in turn promote criminality <br />and insecurity. Especially at night, <br />the atmosphere can become grim. <br />People who are under the influence <br />also stick around longer, Municipality of Amsterdam statement, via CNN.<br />According to the municipality, , “Residents cannot sleep well and the neighborhood <br />is becoming unsafe and unliveable.”.<br />CNN reports that the new rules <br />will take effect in mid-May.<br />An estimated 10% to 15% of Amsterdam's tourist <br />industry is from the city's red light district, the <br />traditional center of the city’s legal sex work trade.<br />According to city officials, the goal is to draw visitors <br />who appreciate the city's unique heritage, architecture<br />and culture, as opposed to sex and drugs.<br />In 2023, Amsterdam is expected to <br />see over 18 million overnight visitors. .<br />By 2024, that number has <br />the potential to reach 23 million, plus <br />an additional 24-25 million day visitors.<br />CNN reports that when the number of overnight <br />visitors reaches 18 million, the city council will <br />be "obliged to intervene" per a 2021 ordinance.<br />CNN reports that when the number of overnight <br />visitors reaches 18 million, the city council will <br />be "obliged to intervene" per a 2021 ordinance
