Dutch May Ban Foreigners from Cannabis Coffee Shops
Responding to international pressure, the Netherlands is considering a proposal that would prohibit foreigners from patronizing the country's cannabis cafes, the Drug War Chronicle reported Oct. 31.
The issue was raised by German Interior Minister Otto Schily, who said many of Germany's citizens cross the border each day to consume and purchase cannabis. Americans and Britons also frequent the pot-selling "coffee shops."
Currently, there are 800 such shops throughout the Netherlands, generating more than $3 billion in gross sales and $340 million in tax revenues each year.
Recently, Schily and Dutch Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner met to discuss cooperative efforts to address the international drug trade. While Germany wants the coffee shops closed, the plan presented by the Netherlands would require Dutch residents to obtain a membership card to enter the shops.
The proposal was immediately opposed by the coffee shops. "It's totally ridiculous. The minister is stupid. If this system comes in, all the tourists will buy from criminals in the street," said Arjan Roskam, of the Union of Cannabis Retailers. "The plan is worthless."
Dutch psychiatrist and drug researcher Frederick Polak of the Netherlands Drug Policy Foundation said the proposal is far from being approved.
"The proposal is being debated these days and the outcome is unclear yet," said Polak. "The opposition in parliament comes from not only the Green Party and the progressive Liberals, but also from the conservative Liberals. It is unclear yet what the Social Democrats, the second largest party, will do."
