New Year’s Eve 2020: more police expected to enforce restrictions and fireworks ban

A spokesperson for the National Police has announced that there will be “a lot more police” out on the streets this New Year’s Eve. This is because coronavirus restrictions and the fireworks ban will have to be enforced. 

The spokesperson explains that New Year’s Eve “is always a high-risk event.” However, this year will be extra challenging for police, RTL Nieuws reports.

But the fireworks ban will be the least of their problems. The real issue will be the enforcement of coronavirus restrictions. They believe people will be socially discontent due to the measures.

“People are tired of corona restrictions and need an outlet. The events that normally provide entertainment and distraction, such as the countdown moments and the bonfires, cannot continue and the catering industry is closed.”

Twice as many police officers in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s Chief of Police, Frank Paauw, has claimed that there will be twice as many police officers on the capital’s streets this New Year’s.

He believes that the city will be under considerable risk this year because people will be unable to celebrate in bars or restaurants. Instead, the fear is that people will take to the streets. “It will be a difficult night”, he says.

Varies between municipalities

However, while Amsterdam will deploy twice as many police officers, cities such as Rotterdam and Utrecht will not.

Rotterdam will see the usual number of police deployed this New Year’s. A spokesperson for the municipality tells RTL that since the shops, bars and restaurants will be closed, there will be no nightlife and therefore, no need for extra officers.

Similarly, Utrecht will not be deploying extra officers, however the force is trying to determine potential hotspots for fireworks in order to respond quickly if necessary.

For healthcare

The National Police Chief has emphasised that these steps are necessary in order to prevent the further spread of coronavirus throughout the Netherlands. “We do it together so that healthcare is not overburdened.”

What do you think about this announcement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Dutchmen Photography/Shutterstock.com

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Dutch Quirk #32: Eat a lot of very questionable snack food

The Dutch may not have a world-renowned cuisine, but they sure have a — should we say unique? — snack assortment. If you're ever...

11 Dutch songs to learn the language (and culture!) 

You could say that listening to Dutch music for the first time is like taking your first sip of wine. It’s a taste that...

5 ways ING makes banking easy for parents, kids and teens

Money makes the world go round — you know it, your parents know it, and maybe your children even know it. And that’s why teaching...

It's happening

Upcoming events

The latest Dutch news.
In your inbox.