Dutch Government Controls On Sale of Soft Drugs in Coffee Houses Ignored by Mayors and "CoffeeSshop" Owners

A new law has gone into effect today requiring Dutch coffeeshops - cafés where cannabis is sold -  to check whether customers legally reside in the Netherlands. Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten says the measure is needed to reduce the problems created by foreigners coming to the Netherlands to purchase soft drugs.

Many Dutch mayors, particularly in the main cities, oppose the new law because they feel it will harm the tourist trade and do not intend to enforce it. They say it will cause more problems because foreigners will purchase their drugs from dealers on the streets. As a result, over half of all coffeeshops say they will continue to sell soft drugs to foreigners.

Those, including the Government who want the so-called "Coffee Houses" controlled because it also promotes crime and prostitution will have to 'put their money where their mouth' is and act forcefully to  enforce the new rules. So far they have not done so.

EU-Digest