A MAJOR anti-stag do campaign has been launched by the city of Amsterdam warning boozy Brits to stay away.
It comes after a drawn-out crusade from locals and politicians to end “drunk and puking stag parties” in the Netherlands’ capital.
5
5
5
The cosmopolitan city is synonymous with sex, drugs, alcohol – and according to the council, insufferable British men.
As of today, an online campaign dubbed “Stay Away” has been launched to curb the rowdy behaviour.
Anyone from Britain who is browsing a “fun” getaway online will be in the cross-hairs.
For example, entering terms into search engines such as “stag party Amsterdam” or “weed-friendly sex shows” will land you in hot water.
Immediately, users’ computer screens will see warning video adverts that describe the risks and consequences of excessive alcohol and drug taking.
It reads: “Coming to Amsterdam for a messy night and getting trashed equals a £123 fine, a criminal record and fewer prospects.”
It comes after research compiled by Amsterdam city council suggested Brits aged 18 to 35 tended to cause the most nuisance in the Red Light District with stag parties, pub crawls and all-night benders.
Sofyan Mbarki, deputy mayor for economic affairs, said in a statement the city was rejecting “irresponsible” growth.
She said: “Visitors are still welcome but not if they misbehave and cause nuisance.
“As a city, we are saying – we’d rather not have this, so stay away.”
The campaign has started in Britain this week and will be expanded to the Netherlands and beyond.
It will be paired with “how to Amsterdam” propaganda including posters and screens that remind tourists of their manners.
It follows the council’s controversial ruling to ban smoking cannabis in the Red Light District from May, 2023.
However, not all business operatives in the tourist hotspot are happy with the “targeted” campaign.
Marco Lemmers, chief executive of Conscious Hotels, told the Guardian he would prefer a more light-hearted message.
He said: “You could show people that they will get in trouble with certain behaviour, with a bit of humour, but you shouldn’t act like everyone who comes here for a wedding is a criminal.
“You should read what the Dutch get up to on the Costa Brava in Spain… has Amsterdam even thought of the potential collateral damage for the Netherlands as a destination as a whole.”
5
5
For all the latest Travel News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
