Editor’s note: The Christiania ban was most recently extended on March 31st and is currently scheduled to expire on April 7th.

The ban, a so-called opholdsforbud, allows the public only to pass through, but not stop in the area. It was originally introduced in January as a measure to limit the spread of Covid-19 infections. At the time, a tendency for crowds to gather in the area was cited as the basis for the measure.

“We still assess that a ban is necessary to constrain the spread of Covid-19 in the ‘Pusher Street’ and ‘Green Light District’ areas of Christiania,” police said in a statement without giving further detail.

Pusher Street and the Green Light District are prominent features within Christiania, an alternative enclave in the Danish capital. In more normal times, the area is known for features including the market stands on Pusher Street, from where cannabis is sometimes illicitly traded and clamped down on by police.

Under the ban, lingering in the affected areas is banned between 10am and midnight.

Walking, running and walking of dogs in the affected area is allowed during the periods affected by the ban, but no further public use is permitted.

Failure to comply can result in a fine of 2,500 kroner.

The restriction has now been extended more than half a dozen times and is currently scheduled to expire on March 24th.