The cost of policing large commercial events is to be largely transferred to the organisers, under new justice ministry legislation.

The organisers of major public events such as the five-yearly Sail festival in Amsterdam will have to pick up half the bill for security and traffic management. At closed events – like stadium concerts – policing costs will be fully financed by the organisers.
Sports events, including football, will not fall under the new plans. Other major calendar dates, such as Queen’s Day will also be exempt.
Justice minister Ivo Opstelten has sent the draft legislation out to consultation. He says it will save €30m a year and free up police manpower for other duties because many event organisers will use private security staff.