Amsterdam To Rid Streets of Drunkards

District Zuidoost of the city of Amsterdam wants to get rid of drunk men hanging around on the streets. District Mayor Tjeerd Herrema announced that he wants to develop a program similar to programs for drug addicts to address alcohol abuse, together with the GGD, the Dutch municipal health organization for preventive healthcare. To reduce disturbance caused by alcohol abuse the Mayor also wants to introduce a ban on alcohol in the shopping center Reigerbos. A ban is already operative in the other malls in the area. Parool.nl reports that alcoholism is a big problem in Amsterdam. The GGD estimates that 45,000 people in the city have a drinking problem; 15,000 of these people have a chronic problem.