As soon as there's a smidgen of sunshine, bars and cafes put tables and chairs outside, even if it's quite cool and windy. The Dutch love their drinks, especially beer. At the last count there were over 1,200 drinking venues in Amsterdam, a city that boasts a population of less than a million. When the guilder changed to the euro prices doubled in one fell swoop - they have now been lowered after much protest, and a beloved fluitje (flute of 0.25l) of Heineken, Amstel or Grolsch will set you back around €2. Unless specifically stated, most restaurants have liquor licences. The Dutch brew a peculiar gin called Jenever. It's either oud (aged) or jong (young), just like their cheese. Liquor can be purchased at Gall & Gall, a chain selling liquor and wines. Besides the independent wine and beer specialists, alcohol is sold at supermarkets and avondwinkels (night shops that open after 20:00). The legal drinking age in Holland is 16. Proof of age is hardly ever asked for when minors enter a bar or kroeg (pub).