Amsterdam becomes first city to ban meat and fossil fuel advertising

Amsterdam has become the first capital city in the world to ban public advertising of meat products, as well as goods and services linked to fossil fuels.

According to the BBC, as of May 1, advertisements for hamburgers, petrol-powered cars and airlines have disappeared from billboards, public transport stops and metro stations across the city.

City authorities said the measure is aimed at aligning the urban environment with climate goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing meat consumption.

The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups. Representatives of the meat sector described it as an attempt to “influence consumer behaviour,” while tourism stakeholders warned of potential restrictions for businesses linked to air travel.

Officials noted that such advertising accounted for a relatively small share of campaigns in the city, but said the ban forms part of a broader environmental policy.

By Vugar Khalilov