Amsterdam residents sue to revoke license of viral chip shop

Nineteen residents of an exclusive Amsterdam neighborhood have taken the city to court to revoke the business license of Fabel Friet, a chip shop that gained massive popularity via TikTok.

Plaintiffs argue that the establishment creates significant public nuisance, citing what they call a ‘TikTok queue’ that spills onto narrow streets and bridges near the Keizersgracht canal. Residents report that the crowds of tourists waiting for and eating food in the street have led to litter, mayonnaise stains on historic stone, and an infestation of seagulls and rats.

Lead plaintiff Niek van der Heijden stated that the shop's small size forces business activities into the public space, and he requested the business be moved to a location with sufficient indoor seating. While the city council acknowledged that Mayor Femke Halsema has the authority to refuse licenses if the living environment is negatively affected, representatives for the shop noted they have hired cleaning services to manage the impact.