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Contents
- 1 What time can you buy alcohol in the Netherlands?
- 2 What time can you drink in Amsterdam?
- 3 What is the new alcohol law in the Netherlands?
- 4 Why can’t you buy alcohol after 10 in Scotland?
- 5 Can you drink all tap water in Amsterdam?
- 6 What are the new alcohol laws in Amsterdam?
- 7 Do supermarkets in Amsterdam sell alcohol?
- 8 What is the penalty for drink driving in Netherlands?
- 9 What time do shops shut in Netherlands?
- 10 Is it illegal to drink in the street in the Netherlands?
What time can you buy alcohol in the Netherlands?
Alcohol sales ban in Amsterdam Red Light District extended to prevent nuisance The alcohol sales ban in the Amsterdam Red Light District will be extended to prevent crowds and nuisance in the area. Terrace extensions on a large part of Burgwallen-Oude Zijde and the entire Nieuwmarkt will also be taken away, and there will be more crowd control and measures taken against street deals.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, alderman for Economic Affairs Egbert de Vries and the deputy chair of the city center Micha Mos announced this in a letter to the city council. The alcohol sales ban will come into effect on May 6 and will apply on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. for retail outlets, snack bars and liquor stores, but not for catering.
The same ban has already been in place from 10 p.m. on these days. In addition to the measures that were announced, the city council is preparing additional changes. If the situation calls for it, the alcohol sales ban can be extended or closing times on weekends reduced to 3 a.m.
Or 2 a.m., or after a certain time no visitors will be allowed in catering establishments. Consideration is also being given to closing off access to the area at peak times and targeting visitor numbers to 70 percent of the pre-coronavirus levels, perhaps even by installing revolving gates. The temporary terrace extensions were allowed to accommodate catering entrepreneurs during coronavirus times.
Now the permits, which actually ran until the end of October, will be withdrawn on May 6 because “with the start of the summer season and the return of tourist pressure, accessibility, quality of life and public space are coming under pressure.” Effective immediately, the municipality will do more to manage crowds by deploying hosts who guide visitor flows in the right direction.
There will also be one-way traffic in various alleys and on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal. The city is taking the extra measures because the crowds of tourists within the popular area are returning even faster than expected. For example, visitor numbers and nuisance reports during the Easter weekend were comparable to the period before coronavirus, when tourism within the district peaked.
“We consider the announced measures necessary to improve the situation in the short term,” the letter said. : Alcohol sales ban in Amsterdam Red Light District extended to prevent nuisance
Can you buy alcohol before 10am UK?
When can supermarkets sell alcohol? – In England and Wales, most supermarkets have a licence to sell alcohol whenever they are open, That means you can purchase it as soon as they open in the morning, and all through the night if the supermarket is 24-hour.
What time can you drink in Amsterdam?
There are no specific times during which alcohol may be bought.
Can you buy alcohol in supermarkets in Netherlands?
Spirits – You can buy wine, beer and liquor with an alcohol percentage of up to 15% at Dutch supermarkets. But for spirits, you’ll need to go to a liquor store. These are often located nearby. Some supermarkets have separate liquor stores inside.
Can you buy alcohol after 8pm in Netherlands?
The official rules say this: ” Welke regels gelden voor hotels? Hotels mogen voor daar verblijvende gasten hun eet- en drinkgelegenheid open houden. Ook na 20 uur mag er alcohol geschonken worden.” Translation; What rules apply for hotels? Hotels may continue to serve food and drinks to guests that stay in the hotel.
What is the new alcohol law in the Netherlands?
A new alcohol law in the Netherlands bans price discounts for high strength alcohol and several other price promotions. The law has also set new rules regarding the online sale of alcohol. The new Dutch alcohol law is set to come into force on July 1, 2021.
Ban on price promotions with more than 25% discount;Ban on promotions such as ‘free’ larger bottle sizes or giveaways, such as glasses;Ban on online supermarket sale of hard liquor;Prohibiting adults to provide minors alcohol; andFines for breaking the new law ranging from €1,360 to €5,440.
Dutch people have welcomed the new law as it can reduce alcohol problems in the Netherlands, especially protecting young people. Studies show that there’s strong evidence that alcohol price increases lead to reductions in alcohol use and the problems that go along with it,” said Dr.
- Carmen Voogt, project leader Centre of Expertise on Alcohol, Trimbos Institute, as per DutchNews.nl,
- Young people, who are a risk group for, are even more sensitive to price.” Dr.
- Carmen Voogt, project leader, Centre of Expertise on Alcohol, Trimbos Institute The Dutch Health Ministry reported a research from last year found people tend to buy more alcohol than they had originally planned if there were price promotions.
According to the study,
Price promotions pushed people to buy 33% more beer and 50% more wine;More than half the people reported choosing shops with price promotions to purchase alcohol; andAlmost a third reported they would buy less alcohol or buy less frequently if price promotions over 25% were no longer available.
With this ban on discounts of more than 25% on alcoholic in shops, we will stop consumers from being tempted to buy more alcohol than planned to special offers,” said a spokesperson for the Dutch Health Ministry, as per DutchNews.nl, Dutch Health Ministry Unfortunately, the new law weakened an existing alcohol policy in one regard, by lifting the ban on access to liquor stores by minors.
Can you drink at 16 UK?
You can be stopped, fined or arrested by police if you’re under 18 and drinking alcohol in public. If you’re under 18, it’s against the law:
for someone to sell you alcohol to buy or try to buy alcohol for an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for you to drink alcohol in licensed premises (such as a pub or restaurant)
However, if you’re 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal. If you’re 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you’re accompanied by an adult.
Can you drink before 10am in Scotland?
When can I buy alcohol in a pub in Scotland? – Licensed premises – including pubs, bars and restaurants – are legally allowed to sell alcohol to be drunk on the premises according to the terms of their licences, which are issued by the local council’s licensing board.
Why can’t you buy alcohol after 10 in Scotland?
Are there any supermarkets or convenience stores that sell alcohol 24 hours a day in Scotland? – Here at 24 Hour Alcohol, we sometimes get asked why we don’t list any shops in Scotland licensed to sell alcohol 24 hours. The reason is quite simple: sadly there aren’t any 24 hour off licences in Scotland due to Scottish alcohol licensing regulations, which don’t allow the sale of alcohol 24 hours a day in Scotland.
- Since 2005, off licences (supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, alcohol delivery services etc.) in England & Wales have been able to apply for extended operating hours, enabling them to sell alcohol around the clock, but the 24 hour drinking laws aren’t UK wide.
- Instead of getting 24 hour drinking in Scotland, the The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 brought in a stricter alcohol licensing regime.
If you live near the English–Scottish border and you’re really desperate for 24 hour booze, you could always pop down to England and visit a 24 hour off licence in Cumbria or Northumberland (assuming, of course, that you have a sober driver). Now that Minimum Unit Pricing has been implemented in Scotland, a booze-run to England may not be such a bad idea.
Are Amsterdam strict on drinking?
Amsterdam is for everyone – Amsterdam is for everybody, regardless of race, religion, gender identification, political beliefs or sexual preference. Visitors and residents are free to be who they want to be, and have their views and choices respected.
Hate crimes against members of any community or minority will never, ever be tolerated. Amsterdam is known as an open, creative, innovative and tolerant city where a lot is possible and allowed. The city is known worldwide for its freedom. This freedom arose under an essential condition: respect for each other.
Amsterdammers live in every neighbourhood, including the Red Light District and Leidseplein. Limit noise and drunkenness, clean up your mess and don’t pee in the canals. Keep in mind the locals, and they will welcome you with open arms. Please be aware of the law, and the on-the-spot fines for unacceptable behaviour as follows:
€150 for public urination €150 for littering €150 for noise pollution €100 for drunkenness
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the majority of public places in the city centre, but you are of course welcome to visit one Amsterdam’s many bars. Never combine alcohol and drugs. For more information about health matters in the city, contact the,
- When it comes to soft drugs such as cannabis, a tolerance policy (“gedoogbeleid”) is applied in the Netherlands.
- This means that although the possession and buying of soft drugs are recognised as a violation of the law, you will not be prosecuted if it concerns a maximum amount of five grams of cannabis, and coffeeshops can sell cannabis.
To enter a coffeeshop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.
Find out more about the policy on coffeeshops and drug safety, As in the rest of the world, drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. Possession, dealing, selling, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law. Bringing drugs into a club, bar or festival is prohibited.
If you choose to use drugs, it’s good to be aware of the risks. Find a number of useful tips and information on our dedicated, For serious drug and alcohol-related emergencies, seek immediate medical assistance. If someone is not feeling well, don’t be afraid to ask for help or call medical services at 112.
Can you drink all tap water in Amsterdam?
The answer to this question is simple: Yes! Tap water in Amsterdam is clean, safe, and delicious. You can simply enjoy water from the tap. So there is no hassle with plastic bottles. We are Waternet. We make drinking water for everyone in and around Amsterdam. We clean this water in a natural way. We do this with sand and in nature reserves such as the Amsterdam Waterleidingduinen, This ensures that the water tastes fresh. Want to know where we get our water from? Then read more about the sources of our drinking water,
Can you drink at 16 in Amsterdam?
Fast Facts in The Netherlands Business Hours – Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (some stay open until 5pm). Some banks open on late-hour shopping nights and Saturday. Stores generally are open Monday from 10 or 11am to 6pm, Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 or 9am to 5 or 6pm, and Saturday to 4 or 5pm.
- Some stores close for lunch, and nearly all have one full closing day or one morning or afternoon when they’re closed – signs are prominently posted announcing closing times.
- Many stores, especially in the larger towns, have late hours on Thursday and/or Friday evening.
- In the cities, stores along the main streets are open on Sunday.
Drinking & Drug Laws – There is no minimum legal drinking age in the Netherlands – but other laws may be used against a parent, guardian, or other third party who permits or causes a minor to abuse alcohol. For purchasing drinks that have less than 15% alcohol by volume, the minimum legal age is 16; for drinks with more than 15% alcohol by volume, the minimum legal age is 18; in both cases ID must be produced.
The use of controlled narcotic drugs is officially illegal in the Netherlands, but Amsterdam and some other local authorities permit the sale in licensed premises of up to 5 grams (1/5 oz.) of hashish or marijuana for personal consumption, and possession of 30 grams (1 1/5 oz.) for personal use. On the other hand, peddling drugs is a serious offense.
Electricity – Like in most of Europe, Holland uses 230 (220-240) volts AC (50 cycles), compared to 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles) in the United States and Canada. Converters that change 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts are difficult to find in Holland, so bring one with you.
Bring a connection kit of the right power and phone adapters, a spare phone cord, and a spare Ethernet network cable – or find out whether your hotel supplies them to guests. Embassies & Consulates – Both the U.S. and the U.K. have consulates in Amsterdam and embassies in the Hague (Den Haag). Other English-speaking countries only have embassies in the Hague.
2. Introduction to Alcohol – Tipsy Bartender Course
The embassy of Australia is at Carnegielaan 4, 2517 KH Den Haag (tel.070/310-8200 ; www.australian-embassy.nl). The embassy of Canada is at Sophialaan 7, 2514 JP Den Haag (tel.070/311-1600 ; www.canada.nl). The embassy of Ireland is at Dr. Kuijperstraat 9, 2514 BA Den Haag (tel.070/363-0993 ; www.irishembassy.nl).
- The embassy of New Zealand is at Carnegielaan 10, 2517 KH Den Haag (tel.070/346-9324 ; www.nzembassy.com).
- The embassy of the United Kingdom is at Lange Voorhout 10, 2514 ED Den Haag (tel.070/427-0427 ; www.britain.nl).
- The embassy of the United States is at Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ Den Haag (tel.070/310-2209 ; http://netherlands.usembassy.gov).
Emergencies – For police assistance, an ambulance, or the fire department, call tel.112, Gasoline (Petrol) – A gas (petrol) station is a benzinestation, a pompstation, or a tankstation in Dutch. Gasoline is lead-free and sold in two varieties: euro 95 or euro 98 (for its octane number).
- Diesel is sold in all stations; autogas, also known as LPG (liquid petroleum gas), is sold in many.
- Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S.
- Gallon equals 3.8 liters, and 1 imperial gallon equals 4.4 liters.
- The Netherlands “boasts” some of the highest gasoline prices in the world.
- Internet Access – The number of “cybercafes” has been declining, but most towns still have some.
Language – Dutch people speak Dutch, of course, but English is the second language of the Netherlands and is taught in school from the early grades. The result is that nearly everyone speaks fluently – so you may speak English almost as freely as you do at home, particularly to anyone providing tourist services, whether hotel receptionist, waitperson, or store clerk (cab drivers might be another story).
- Lost & Found – Be sure to tell all of your credit card companies the minute you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a report at the nearest police precinct.
- Your credit card company or insurer may require a police report number or record of the loss.
- Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if your card is lost or stolen; they may be able to wire you a cash advance immediately or deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two.
Local emergency numbers to call are: American Express (tel.020/504-8666 ), Diners Club (tel.0800/555-1212 ), MasterCard (tel.1-800/307-7309 or 1-636/722-7111 in the U.S.), and Visa (tel.0800/022-3110 ). If you need emergency cash over the weekend when all banks in Belgium are closed, you can have money wired to you via Western Union (tel.1-800/325-6000 in the U.S.; www.westernunion.com).
- Mail – Most offices of TNT Post are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
- Postage for a postcard or an ordinary letter up to 20 grams (.7 oz.) to the U.K.
- Ireland, and other European countries is 0.80€ ($1.30); to the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the world, it’s 0.92€ ($1.45).
Newspapers & Magazines – The main British and Irish daily newspapers, and the International Herald Tribune, Wall Street Journal Europe, USA Today, Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, Business Week, Fortune, The Economist, and more are available from news vendors at major railway stations, and from other outlets in the main towns and cities.
Pharmacies – In the Netherlands, a pharmacy is called an apotheek and sells both prescription and nonprescription medicines. Regular open hours are Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm. Pharmacies post details of nearby all-night and Sunday pharmacies on their doors. Police – Holland’s emergency phone number for the police ( politie ) is tel.112,
Smoking – Since July 1, 2008, smoking is forbidden in restaurants, bars, cafes, hotel public areas, and most hotel rooms. Exceptions are in separate enclosed areas for smokers, in which staff are not allowed to provide drinks, meals, or other services.
- Smoking tobacco in “coffeshops” is likewise forbidden, but smoking the pot that is their stock in trade is allowed – don’t ask me! Trams, buses, Metro trains, and trains are smoke-free.
- Taxes – There’s a value-added tax (BTW) in Holland of 6% on hotel and restaurant bills (19% on beer, wine, and liquor), and 6% or 19% (depending on the product) on purchases.
This tax is always included in the price. Visitors residing outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Amsterdam. Stores that offer tax-free shopping advertise with a HOLLAND TAX-FREE SHOPPING sign in the window, and provide the form you need to recover taxes when you leave the European Union.
- Refunds are available only when you spend more than 50€ ($80) in a participating store.
- Time – Holland is on Western European Time (WET), which is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), plus 1 hour.
- Clocks are moved ahead 1 hour for daylight-saving Western European Summer Time (WEST) between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.
For example, when it’s 6pm in Amsterdam, it’s 9am in Los Angeles (PST), 7am in Honolulu (HST), 10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney. Tipping – The Dutch government requires that all taxes and service charges be included in the published prices of hotels, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, salons, and sightseeing companies.
- Even taxi fare includes taxes and a standard 15% service charge.
- To be absolutely sure in a restaurant that tax and service are included, look for the words inclusief BTW en service (BTW is the abbreviation for the Dutch words that mean value-added tax), or ask the waiter.
- Dutch waiters and hotel staff often “forget” that a service charge and a tip are in effect the same thing.
If you query them, they’ll likely tell you that the tip isn’t included in the bill – slightly true, since it’s not called a tip but a service charge. Customers pay a standard 15% whether they liked the service or not. The VVV tourist office’s advice is: “Tips for extra service are always appreciated but not necessary.” To tip like the Dutch, in a cafe or snack bar, leave some small change on the counter or table.
In a restaurant, leave 1€ to 2€ ($1.60-$3.20) per person, or to generously reward good service, 5€ ($8) per person or 10% of the tab. Since service can tend toward the lackadaisical, you may need to make due allowance for what constitutes “good.” If another staffer takes your payment for the bill, give the tip to your waitperson directly.
In a hotel, tip if you wish for a long stay or extra service, but don’t worry about not tipping – you’re unlikely to be hassled by a bellboy who lights every lamp in your room until he hears the rattle of spare change. Should you feel an irrational compulsion to tip taxi drivers, round up the fare by a euro or two, or splash out 5% to 10%.
Toilets – The most important thing to remember about public toilets in Holland – apart from calling them toiletten (twa- lett -en) or “the WC” (Vay- say ) and not restrooms or comfort stations – is not the usual Male/Female ( Heren/Dames ) distinction (important though that is), but to pay the attendant.
He or she has a saucer where you put your money. Toilets usually cost only about 0.30€ (50¢), and the attendant generally ensures that they are clean. Water – The water from the faucet in Holland is safe to drink. Many people drink bottled mineral water, called generically spa, even though not all of it is the Belgian Spa brand.
What are the new alcohol laws in Amsterdam?
New measures on “feestbeest” and cannabis – More comprehensive measures on feestbeest (“party animals” in Dutch) – pub crawls, stag parties, stagettes and so on – will prevent raucous conduct in busy inner areas like Rembrandtplein, Leidseplein and particularly the Red Light District.
Further measures – such as reducing the number of Airbnb rentals, hotels and river cruises – aim to dial down tourism overall, bringing annual overnight stays from 18 million to below 10 million. Amsterdam is also increasing measures to discourage the sale of alcohol. Already, you can’t buy alcohol after 4pm between Thursday and Sunday – and the city now requires that alcohol be hidden from view or removed from stores during these hours.
In February, the city council announced it would ban people from smoking marijuana on the streets in the Red Light District from mid-May. This is in response to complaints from residents about disruptive tourists who flood the district in the late hours and engage in antisocial behavior. Branch out from crowded central Amsterdam by catching the ferry to Noord, one of the cities hippest neighborhoods © Simon Montgomery / Getty Images There’s still plenty of fun to be had in Amsterdam. If you’re going to experience the city for its dynamic culture (in both daytime and nighttime), historic architecture, forward-thinking gastronomy and pristine natural spaces, here are some tips for having a fantastic time in the Dutch capital – while being respectful of local life.
What are the drinking limits in Netherlands?
Alcohol, drugs and driving It is an offence to drive a vehicle while under the influence of a substance such as alcohol, medication or drugs that may impair driving ability. This is stated in Section 8 of the 1994 Road Traffic Act. In the Netherlands, there are strict regulations with regard to alcohol and driving.
Do supermarkets in Amsterdam sell alcohol?
Drinking and buying alcohol Dorine Wednesday 22 January 2014 Drinking and buying alcohol Floris (Employee) Wednesday 12 April 2017 From the age of 18 it is legally allowed to buy beer, wine and liquor. Alcoholic beverages are for sale at liquor stores and supermarkets. Supermarkets only sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol percentage up to 13 percent.
Cafe, supermarkets and restaurants Bartenders, liquor dealers and cashiers must ask youngsters whom they sell alcohol to for proof of age. After all, it is often difficult to estimate somebody’s age. If proof of age cannot be supplied, you may be refused alcohol. The proof of age can be a passport or a driving license.
: Drinking and buying alcohol
What is the penalty for drink driving in Netherlands?
Drivers who are caught for driving under the influence are often punished with one or more of the following measures: a fine, suspension of the driving licence, an educational measure, or an examination of fitness to drive.
How many drinks can you have and drive Netherlands?
For road users in the Netherlands, the legal BAC limit is 0.5‰; and 0.2‰ for novice drivers and novice (light) moped riders (see Table 1), For pedestrians there is no legal alcohol limit. However, the police can report a pedestrian for public intoxication.
- In such a case, the police will not take a breathalyser test or a blood test, but will assess the physical characteristics of drunkenness and the behaviour of the pedestrian.
- In contrast to most European countries, The Netherlands do not have a different limit for professional drivers (see Table 2 ).
The effect of a lower limit for professional drivers has not been examined and is therefore unknown.
When can you buy beer in Amsterdam?
From the age of 18 it is legally allowed to buy beer, wine and liquor.
Can you buy alcohol from a supermarket in Amsterdam?
Spirits – You can buy wine, beer and liquor with an alcohol percentage of up to 15% at Dutch supermarkets. But for spirits, you’ll need to go to a liquor store. These are often located nearby. Some supermarkets have separate liquor stores inside.
What time do shops shut in Netherlands?
Shops – Most shops are opened every day from around 9 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. On Monday mornings, shops often don’t open until around noon. Most towns and cities have a shopping night when shops are opened until 9 p.m. This is usually on a Thursday. Every Dutch city has its own rules for shopping on Sundays.
Is it illegal to drink in the street in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is for everyone – Amsterdam is for everybody, regardless of race, religion, gender identification, political beliefs or sexual preference. Visitors and residents are free to be who they want to be, and have their views and choices respected.
- Hate crimes against members of any community or minority will never, ever be tolerated.
- Amsterdam is known as an open, creative, innovative and tolerant city where a lot is possible and allowed.
- The city is known worldwide for its freedom.
- This freedom arose under an essential condition: respect for each other.
Amsterdammers live in every neighbourhood, including the Red Light District and Leidseplein. Limit noise and drunkenness, clean up your mess and don’t pee in the canals. Keep in mind the locals, and they will welcome you with open arms. Please be aware of the law, and the on-the-spot fines for unacceptable behaviour as follows:
€150 for public urination €150 for littering €150 for noise pollution €100 for drunkenness
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the majority of public places in the city centre, but you are of course welcome to visit one Amsterdam’s many bars. Never combine alcohol and drugs. For more information about health matters in the city, contact the,
- When it comes to soft drugs such as cannabis, a tolerance policy (“gedoogbeleid”) is applied in the Netherlands.
- This means that although the possession and buying of soft drugs are recognised as a violation of the law, you will not be prosecuted if it concerns a maximum amount of five grams of cannabis, and coffeeshops can sell cannabis.
To enter a coffeeshop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.
Find out more about the policy on coffeeshops and drug safety, As in the rest of the world, drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. Possession, dealing, selling, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law. Bringing drugs into a club, bar or festival is prohibited.
If you choose to use drugs, it’s good to be aware of the risks. Find a number of useful tips and information on our dedicated, For serious drug and alcohol-related emergencies, seek immediate medical assistance. If someone is not feeling well, don’t be afraid to ask for help or call medical services at 112.