Had their chips? Amsterdam snack bars will have to close earlier

Restaurants and snack bars in Amsterdam will have to close at 2 am on weekends and 1 am during the week as part of city council efforts to reduce disruption for local residents.

The measures, which still require approval from the full council, also introduce standardised city-wide opening and closing times. Currently, each of the city’s seven borough councils can set their own rules, leading to protests in some areas where snack bars must close earlier than those just around the corner.

City mayor Femke Halsema says the changes are necessary to improve living conditions for residents, particularly in the city centre. Fast-food outlets will, however, be able to apply for exemptions.

The new regulations will not come into effect until a new zoning plan for the city has been passed. and the changes will also be gradually introduced for restaurants and snack bars that operate later hours. According to the Parool, the new rules won’t be implemented until 2028.

The city also plans to revise how café terrace licenses are issued. These too are currently managed by local borough councils and vary significantly across the capital. The aim here too is to bring in standard rules.