Dispute over advertising flags on Rijnstraat sidewalk

Carlo Liefting, who took over the licensed erotic massage salon Paradise Touch Club on the Rijnstraat in January, was warned by enforcement officers that two beach flags outside his business violated city rules.

Officers told Liefting he faced a heavy fine if he did not remove them, prompting him to file an official objection.

Liefting questioned why enforcement targeted his salon when about 25 similar promotional flags stand outside other businesses along the Rijnstraat and Van Woustraat, including an eatery, an ice cream shop, and a discount retailer.

Enforcement policy on outdoor flags

Under Amsterdam outdoor advertising policy, the city does not grant exemptions for promotional beach flags, banners, or signs in public spaces.

Stadsdeel Zuid noted that it cannot act on every infraction, meaning enforcement of advertising flags is primarily driven by reports from the public.

Inspectors visited the salon after receiving a report, but the district confirmed it will not take enforcement action against Liefting at this time.

Because the flags do not cause an unsafe situation or block foot traffic, officials concluded that penalising only one business among many similar displays on the street would be disproportionate.

Source: AT5