Amsterdam Labour Party Proposes Tourist Ban in City Centre Cannabis Cafés

The Amsterdam branch of the Labour Party (PvdA) has proposed a ban on tourists visiting cannabis cafés in the city centre. This marks a significant shift in their policy, as previously the party did not support such measures, according to a report by the Parool. The proposal aims to address the overwhelming number of visitors drawn to Amsterdam for its liberal cannabis policies, which have made managing tourist numbers a challenge for city officials

Currently, Amsterdam does not enforce the national ban on non-residents using cannabis cafés, unlike cities near the border like Maastricht. The PvdA hopes that by implementing the ban, some cannabis cafés might relocate to less central areas, easing congestion in the city centre. This proposal is particularly timely as local elections are set for March 2026, and the PvdA is traditionally the largest party on the city council

While coalition partners GroenLinks and D66 have historically opposed such restrictions, a group of local residents is taking legal action against the city council for exceeding its self-imposed limit of 20 million overnight stays annually over the past three years. These residents also support the ban on tourists in cannabis cafés, reflecting growing frustration with the city's handling of tourism. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact Amsterdam's approach to managing its international appeal