rssAug 19, 2026, 17:00

Great concern among residents about new housing facility in Amsterdam Sloten

Residents of Sloten and Nieuw-Sloten in Amsterdam are protesting the city's plan to open a residential facility for forty people with mental health or addiction issues by late 2026. Concerns regarding safety and potential nuisance, particularly due to the proximity of a school and sports facilities, led a majority of the district committee to request a reconsideration of the site.

Politics Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

End to intake freeze at Levvel, youths with severe issues can once again be admitted in Amsterdam

Care organization Levvel has ended its intake freeze for Amsterdam youth following successful negotiations to secure more beds for those in need of severe residential care. While access has been restored, the municipality is demanding better coordination among providers and has initiated an independent financial audit of Levvel to ensure future stability.

VVD wants smoke- and vape-free zones around schools

The Amsterdam VVD has proposed a ban on smoking and vaping within 50 meters of schools to combat rising youth nicotine addiction. The plan also includes stricter enforcement against illegal flavored vapes and the creation of improved cessation support services for students.

UMC: increasingly unhealthy food supply in cities, Amsterdam also scores poorly: 'Hurry up with Food Law'

A study by the UMC across ten Dutch cities shows that urban food environments have become increasingly unhealthy over the last decade. Local officials are now calling for a new national Food Act to grant municipalities the legal power to regulate unhealthy food vendors, especially near schools.