Home > News > Amsterdam restricts sale of alcohol on Queen’s Day

Amsterdam restricts sale of alcohol on Queen’s Day

DutchAmsterdam.nl — The sale of alcohol during this year’s Queen’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam will be further restricted in order to make sure than everyone has a good time.

Supermarkets, shops, other outlets as well as private individuals may sell only one alcoholic consumption per customer. In previous years it was already forbidden to carry more than one alcoholic drink per person — a restriction that will remain in force this year.

In addition the Albert Heijn convenience stores at train stations throughout the Netherlands will not sell any alcohol at all.

Amsterdam Queen's Day traffic jam
Queen’s Day traffic jam at the corner of Singel and Brouwersgracht, Amsterdam
© Copyright DutchAmsterdam.nl. Want to use this photo?

Holland’s National Railway Service NS had asked the city of Amsterdam, police and the justice department for help in preventing a repeat of last year’s problems.

A number of alcohol-fueled Queen’s Day revelers on their way to Amsterdam misbehaved by pulling the emergency brakes, or by peeing and throwing up inside the trains.

Amsterdam top destination on Queen’s Day

While Queen’s Day — easily the world’s biggest street party — is celebrated throughout the Netherlands, for many people Amsterdam is the all-time most-popular destination.

When the weather is good 800.000 to 1 million visitors outnumber Amsterdam’s urban population of 765,00 — leading the city council to declare earlier this year that Amsterdam has reached its full Queen’s Day capacity.

In coming years events to be decentralized

In coming years the municipality plans to spread events over the rest of Amsterdam, whereas currently they are focused mainly in the center of town.

The city is also asking nearby places such as Zaanstad, Purmerend, Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen en Haarlem to organize events that would draw people who would otherwise come to Amsterdam.

The big draws in Amsterdam include a variety of top music- and dance events, as well as the ‘free for all’ day-long canal parade.

In recent years an increasing number of tourists have come to Amsterdam specifically to experience Queen’s Day.

What is Queen’s Day?

We explain a lot about Queen’s Day over here, but you may prefer watching this nice girl instead…

Hello! Our original content is protected by © Copyright DutchAmsterdam .nl
Do not republish or repost. Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

GetYourGuide is our Trusted Ticket Partner

Why stand in line during your vacation? Beat the crowds by booking Amsterdam Tours, Skip the Line Tickets, Museums, Excursions and Activities online.

Your GetYourGuide Ticket Advantage:
Authorized Ticket Seller
Verified legal tour operators
Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
Skip-the-Line (if available)
Instant Confirmation
Easy Cancellation

About This Article

Category: News
Related to:

An Amsterdammer last updated this post on CET (Central European Time)

   
Transparency:
The DutchAmsterdam website includes affiliate links. That means we get a small commission — at no additional cost to you — for each purchase you make. Your support helps us provide this site free of charge. Naturally, as our Editorial Policy states, our content is never influenced by our advertisers or affiliates.