New York Times

"Amsterdam lets alcoholics sweep streets in exchange for beer," the Algemeen Dagblad headlined in April 2016. Even the New York Times reports on our Free Beer Project with alcoholics who caused a nuisance in Amsterdam East. In exchange for cleaning the streets, they receive five cans of beer, spread throughout the day. Mouths fall open worldwide, but the project is a resounding success. Neighbors, police and the alcoholics themselves, everyone is satisfied. Investing in beer for alcoholics may sound strange, but the health of the participants has improved significantly. They drink less and eat better. The men have also become more socially adept. And the nuisance? That, too, has decreased.