Jakarta –
The Dutch capital Amsterdam has long tried to quell rowdy behavior by young tourists such as bachelor parties, especially around the „red light district” which is known as a location for sex workers to operate.
The new campaign, called “Stay Away” will target people who are looking for an Amsterdam getaway online. They will receive a special alert.
“This campaign will start in the United Kingdom, aimed at males in the 18 to 35 year age category,” the Amsterdam city council said in a statement.
‘Desperation’ campaign
“This ‘desperation’ campaign is aimed at troublesome tourists who want to visit Amsterdam to ‘run wild’, with all the ensuing consequences.”
The campaign will next year be extended to “potential visitors to cause a stir, both from the Netherlands and other EU countries,” the statement said.
People who search the internet for terms like “stag party Amsterdam” or “pub crawl Amsterdam” will see a warning ad,” it said.
Tackling ‘anti-social behavior’
The warning ad will highlight “risks and consequences of anti-social behavior and excessive drug and alcohol abuse” including fines, arrest, criminal record and hospitalization.
Amsterdam recently announced a ban on smoking marijuana in its “red light district”, coupled with further restrictions on alcohol consumption and earlier closures for cafes, bars and sex clubs.
Authorities are also considering relocating the sex workers to a large “erotic center” on the outskirts of the city. hp/yf (afp)
(it/it)
