In January 2023, the Dutch city of The Hague introduced a first-of-its-kind municipal ordinance banning advertisements for fossil fuels, fossil-powered transport, and the aviation sector in all public spaces, including bus stops, billboards, and other outdoor media platforms managed by the city.
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Shortly after its introduction, the ordinance was challenged by travel companies which argued that the ban was too broad and restricted their commercial interests.
However, in April 2024, a Dutch court ruled that the city of The Hague acted lawfully in introducing the ban. The court recognized the city’s right — and responsibility — to protect public health and the environment, especially in the context of the climate crisis. This ruling not only safeguards the fossil ad ban but also sets a legal precedent for other cities worldwide to follow.
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Does this really set legal precedent for cities outside the Netherlands like the article suggests?
Yes. Not precedent as in American law where “they’ve done it this way in the past so we don’t need to think about it again and just copy the previous ruling” but precedent as in other cities have now seen a) it can be done b) how to do it. This makes it easier to do it in their cities. It’s also in a highly influential city when it comes to laws and courts.
This term has quite different meanings, depending where you are.