Published in News
Amsterdam to Ban Meat and Fossil Fuel Ads
Amsterdam city council has approved a plan to stop outdoor advertising for meat and fossil fuels in public spaces.
Martina Osmak
Director of Marketing
Amsterdam Council Decision
Amsterdam has voted to introduce a ban on outdoor advertising for meat products and fossil fuels. The decision was approved by city councillors on Thursday, January 23, 2026.
The vote means local rules on advertising will be changed, but the plan may still face legal challenges.
What the Ban Covers
The ban will apply only to city-owned outdoor spaces, including:
Billboards
Bus stops and shelters
The rules do not apply to:
Shops, restaurants, or supermarkets
Advertising inside shops or on shop windows
Businesses will still be allowed to promote their own products at their premises.
Background Information
Melanie van der Horst, the city official responsible for public spaces, told councillors that these ads make up a small share of outdoor advertising in Amsterdam:
Meat advertising: around 0.1%
Fossil fuel advertising: around 4.3%
She explained that the ban is linked to broader city policies on sustainability and public health.
Legal and Contract Concerns
Van der Horst also warned that the ban could cause legal problems.
Some advertising companies have long-term contracts with the city. If the ban starts on May 1, advertisers may claim the city is breaking these agreements and could take legal action.
Because of this, the start date or final form of the ban could still change.
Other Dutch Cities
Amsterdam follows several other cities in the Netherlands that have already introduced similar rules:
Nijmegen introduced a ban in 2025
The Hague, Utrecht, and Delft passed comparable laws in 2024
Next Steps
The city will now review contracts and legal risks before the ban comes into force. Further decisions are expected in the coming months.
Source: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/01/amsterdam-to-ban-meat-and-fossil-fuel-outdoor-advertising/