Amsterdam tells Rowdy Tourists to "Stay Away"
Amsterdam has established a digital drive telling British tourists looking for a "messy night" to "stay away". The online enterprise is directed at men aged 18 to 35, cautioning them that they face a fine alongside a potential criminal record and "fewer prospects" if they "misbehave and cause a nuisance" in the city
The notification videos will be activated when individuals in Britain enter express terms into online search engines, including "pub crawl Amsterdam" "cheap hotel Amsterdam" and "stag party Amsterdam".
Footage from the videos displays men being apprehended in the street, having fingerprints and mugshots taken, and being shut in a police cell.
The clip warns potential visitors: "So, coming to Amsterdam for a messy night? Stay away."
The city's council has pitched the project to improve Amsterdam's reputation amidst persisting objections by residents over the racket, intoxication and misbehaviour.
"Visitors remain welcome but not if they are going to misbehave and cause a nuisance". -Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki
The drive will primarily launch in Britain but then extend to the Netherlands and other nations. Criticizers have contended that the videos are discriminating, with some company owners in Amsterdam stating they would favour a more positive endeavour.
Last month, city officials announced new steps to try and reduce "nuisance and crime" and encourage the night-time atmosphere in the Red Light District to improve and become "less menacing" due to objections about the abundance of tourism, alcohol, drug use and street dealers.
The steps incorporate a ban on smoking cannabis in public on the street, earlier closing times at the weekend for bars, night clubs and sex work facilities, along with some limitations on alcohol.
Amsterdam is also evaluating three areas to create a new "erotic centre", easing the mass gatherings and disturbance from city centre tourists.