Dutch bars and cafes are prepared to abandon ‘happy hours’ – where youngsters are encouraged to drink more at cheaper prices – the hospitality sector lobby group has told the cabinet negotiation team.

According to the Telegraaf, the KHN, which represents some 20,000 cafes and bars, has agreed with its members to stop the popular ‘buy-two-pay-for-one’ sessions.
In return, however, the KHN hopes the next government will abandon plans to raise the legal drinking age from 16 to 18, the paper says.
Majority
A majority of parties in parliament favour an increase, including Labour, which is currently in talks on forming a new government.
In May, the country’s regional health board chief said supermarkets should be banned from selling beer and other alcoholic drinks at a discount and the legal drinking age should be raised to 18.
Also in May, the senate passed legislation making it a criminal offence for the under-16s to be in possession of alcohol. While 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to drink beer and wine, you must be 18 or older to buy spirits in the Netherlands.

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