Can You Smoke Indoors in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is renowned for its coffee shops where cannabis products (basically, ready to be smoked herb) can be consumed legal by tourists and locals. In other words, unfortunately, while the general rules of the law may be understood by the general public, the rules of smoking indoors can be a bit confusing for newcomers. In this blog post, we will answer to the question: are you able to smoke indoors in Amsterdam?
Smoking Ban in Amsterdam
Like other cities across the world, Amsterdam has some strict rules against smoking in the interests of public health. The Dutch have already had a nationwide smoking ban since 2008, which prohibits smoking (among other things) in cafes, restaurants and bars.
Coffee Shops and Smoking
Smoking is generally not allowed in public places, but one cannot smoke in a coffee shop. Amsterdam coffee shops are permitted to set aside an area for smoking cannabis products. These are separate from the rest of the seating area and are usually called ‘smoking rooms’ or ‘smoking areas’.
However, it is essential that the readers must note that smoking rooms in coffee shops are only for smoking cannabis and not cigarettes or any other tobacco products. In these areas smoking tobacco is forbidden.
Which coffee stores allow smoking?
Not all the coffee shops in Amsterdam are designated for smoking. Other coffee shops are free choice; they decide whether to permit smoking or not, either in the outdoor area or not permitting smoking at all. Therefore, if you plan to smoke in a coffee shop, it is absolutely necessary to know the specific rules of each coffee shop beforehand.
One simple way to find coffee shops that allow smoking is just look for “Roken Toegestaan” (Smoking Allowed). This implies that the coffee shop has allocated a place within its premises for smoking area.
Other Smoking Options in Amsterdam
Apart from coffee shops, Amsterdam provides a few alternative opportunities for indoor smoking. However, there are smoking-friendly hotels, hostels and apartments for private accommodation where smoking is permitted. Commonly, these places have smoking rooms or places to retreat for smokers, who can there enjoy their products.
When making a reservation for accommodation, also check whether it is allowed or make sure to ask the establishment. However, some hotels will also charge an additional cleaning fee if you smoke in non designating samples.
Smoking Etiquette in Amsterdam
It’s commonsense if you are a visitor to Amsterdam to smoke with respect to local customs and smoking etiquette. Even though it is legal to smoke cannabis, certain people do not like the smell, and they also don’t enjoy being around it.
Here are some tips to follow:
- Do not smoke in coffee shops or accommodation unless there is a designated area for smoking
- Smoking should not be done in public places like parks or streets.
- When smoking outdoors, be conscious of other people and keep away from busy places.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly in designated bin
- When in private spaces, you always need permission before smoking.
- Respecy establishments that are no smoking.
Conclusion
According to the smoking ban, it is generally not allowed to smoke in Amsterdam, however, there is an exception for coffee shops where smoking is allowed in separate areas. Not all coffee shops allow smoking, so it’s mandatory to verify the rules of each establishment before lighting up.
If you want to smoke indoors out of coffee shops but still approach the subject from a smoking friendly angle, some smoking friendly accommodations are hotels, hostels, private apartments etc.
Remember always to respect for others and follow the smoking etiquette to keep the Amsterdam a pleasant place for everyone.
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