In a move that triggers Covid-era flashbacks, Almere has introduced a ban on groups of three or more people loitering in parts of the city centre. However, this ban has nothing to do with a virus.
After months of rising nuisance, including drug dealing, intimidation, and violent incidents involving minors, the city has decided to take action.
According to the NOS, the measure comes into effect today (February 24) and will remain in place for six months. After that, the municipality will assess its impact and decide whether to extend it.
Anyone found to be part of a group of three or more people loitering for an extended period in the designated areas can be fined or arrested.
A last resort (sort of)
Almere’s mayor had long resisted introducing this kind of measure. But with public disorder continuing to rise in recent months, the municipality had to do something.
The main concerns are drug dealing in the city centre, as well as groups behaving in ways that are intimidating or violent.
Just last month, six minors were arrested after an assault in a fast-food restaurant, and several more were detained following a fight at the Stadhuisplein.
How does the ban work?
The ban covers a string of specific locations in and around the Almere city centre.
These include the Stadswetering, Weerwater (excluding the area around the Flevoziekenhuis hospital), De Pier, Olstgracht, Giethoornbrug, Coevoordensingel, Delfzijlsingel, Hoogezandstraat, and the Landvoogdpad and J. Algerapad pathways.
However, you and your friends shouldn’t have to worry if you find yourselves in groups of more than three in the above areas.
According to the municipality, the ban only applies to groups who behave in an intimidating manner, deal drugs, or act violently. So perhaps just slap a smile on your face and avoid smacking your friends around too much.
The six-month window is essentially a trial run. If the ban demonstrably reduces nuisance in these areas, an extension seems likely. If not, it’s back to the drawing board for the municipality.
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