Weed cheese, magic muffins and now alcohol consumption. The reflections of Marius Lazauskas, a Master student of Architecture Building and Planning, (see also Cursor 1) seem to suggest that he is having a wonderful time here in Holland. Or should we be concerned about Marius? This week he would like to know: “Is it legal to consume alcohol (beer) in a public space (park)?”

In principle the consumption of alcohol in public is permitted. However, the municipality has indicated certain spots where it is not allowed, because this would cause too much nuisance by vagrants, for instance. Article 2.4.8 of the municipal regulations reads: ‘It is forbidden to consume alcohol or to have opened bottles, cans and such containing alcoholic drinks on you in a public place which forms part of an area designated by the town council’. The Stadswandelpark is one of those designated areas. Since 2007 it has been forbidden to drink alcohol there or to have it on you in any case.

Areas where you cannot drink alcohol are indicated by prohibition signs. At the places where it is permitted, you will still need to obey certain rules. Public drunkenness and annoying behavior are punishable, to give an example. (SK)