Netherlands to close Cannabis outlets to tourists.

DepecheHead101

It's been discussed for years but looks like it's official now :

AMSTERDAM (BNO NEWS) -- In an effort to stop drug tourism, the Dutch government on Friday decided to restrict access to cannabis coffee shops so that tourists will no longer be able to buy the drugs.
Coffee shops are establishments in the Netherlands where the sale of cannabis for personal consumption by the public is tolerated by the local authorities. As this is illegal in most countries, many tourists from around the world travel to Amsterdam to use cannabis.

But in an effort to reduce criminal behavior and tourism as a result of the drug policy, the Dutch government on Friday decided to introduce a membership system for coffee shops. The city of Amsterdam, where most tourists go, is against the decision

The new system will require members of coffee shops to be a citizen of the Netherlands and over the age of 18. "The coalition agreement says that the current open door policy of coffee shops should be stopped and that the fight against organized drug crime should be intensified," the Dutch cabinet said in a statement.

The new laws will require coffee shops to become closed clubs for the local market, meaning that only Dutch citizens will be allowed access if they are able to show a valid ID and have a membership of the coffee shop in question.

The membership will be in the form of a club card which can be provided by coffee shop owners if those who want to be a customer can produce a valid ID and proof that he or she lives in the Netherlands. The membership will be for a period of at least a year, but coffee shops will be restricted in the number of club cards they can issue.

"The desired small scale will be achieved by the cabinet by capping the number of members of coffee shops. What the exact maximum number of members per coffee shop is will be determined at a later moment," the cabinet said. "The mayor can under local circumstances impose a lower number of maximum members."

The European Court of Justice previously said the new laws to deny access to foreigners is not in violation of European law. A court case against the new measures is still pending at the Netherlands' Council of State, but the government does not expect this to be a problem.

"The cabinet expects that the closure of coffee shops to foreign drug tourists will result in that they no longer travel to the Netherlands for the sale and consumption of cannabis," the cabinet said in the statement. "After all, for many of them applies that they can use the existing illegal market in their own country. Nevertheless will the possible side effects of these measures be monitored closely and adequately addressed by the police, judiciary, and administration."

Additionally, the Dutch government also decided on Friday that coffee shops will not be allowed within 350 meters (1,100 feet) of schools. This measure is aimed to stop students from visiting the coffee shops.

http://wireupdate.com/wires/17731/netherlands-to-close-cannabis-coffee-shops-to-tourists/

At least annoying barstoolers who have been helpfully informing me for years you can't buy dope anymore in the 'Dam will be right now.

Eve_Dublin

They're going to see a huge drop in tourism now...this is the only reason why many tourists go there....

alchemist33

Eve_Dublin wrote: »

They're going to see a huge drop in tourism now...this is the only reason why many tourists go there....

There's one other reason to go.







Anne Frank's house

DublinWriter

Oh, so what?!? There's so many other exciting things to do and see in the Netherlands like...ummmm....

My name is URL

http://www.gozer.org/images/fry-aaargh.gif

super_furry

Crazy decision. Why else would anyone go to Amsterdam?

FlutterinBantam

Nice one, looks like they are getting a bit off sense at last.

The auld stoners will have to turn somewhere else it seems like.

Dutch seem to pissed off with them.

For Forks Sake

Bad news for Ming Flanagans holiday plans

danniemcq

it'll work the same way the smoking ban works over there, it won't!

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Nice one, looks like they are getting a bit off sense at last.

The auld stoners will have to turn somewhere else it seems like.

Dutch seem to pissed off with them.

Why do you hate cannabis so much?

I am pie

Might be disappointing for the weekend headers, but if i lived there I'd be happy enough, especially if the red light district was closed to. All those stag do's probably won't be missed by the average amsterdam resident.

Amsterdam is a great city with loads to do and see, you miss most of it if you're wasted. Can't say i wasn't one of them in the past and i can't say i didn't enjoy but i know i wouldn't be so keen on the whole dope and hookers thing if i lived there.

Show Time

That is my summer plans gone up in smoke.......

DepecheHead101

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Nice one, looks like they are getting a bit off sense at last.

The auld stoners will have to turn somewhere else it seems like.

Dutch seem to pissed off with them.

If by that you mean the Christian Democratic [lol] government who passed this largely unpopular bill.

Cannabis isin't the problem drug with drug tourism.

Cali is the place to be now anyway, man.

Sacred_git

crazy decision, tourist industry will go bust there!!! all the backpackers from abroad put the dam as a must on the list, no way their going to go now, unless theres a loophole in this law! Im quite surprised the dutch are quite savvy!!

Rented Mule

I hope the Dutch government has an idea on how to subsidise the lost revenues that this will inevitably bring.

Lumbo

Easy enough to buy coke (well they claim it's coke) on the streets. All this law will do is force tourists to deal with these people.

The problem with drugs in Amsterdam isn't in Coffee shops.

RachaelVO

They want to introduce it, but it's not written in stone just yet. What it basically means is, is that if you want to buy it, tourist or otherwise you get a temporary membership of a coffee shop and it's business as usual.

There is no way they want to loose that kinda business. Remember, you have to pay VAT on your purchases in a coffee shop, so the loss in tax revenue alone will ensure that it's just noise they are making. They do the same sh1te every couple of years!

Sacred_git

I am pie wrote: »

Might be disappointing for the weekend headers, but if i lived there I'd be happy enough, especially if the red light district was closed to. All those stag do's probably won't be missed by the average amsterdam resident.

Amsterdam is a great city with loads to do and see, you miss most of it if you're wasted. Can't say i wasn't one of them in the past and i can't say i didn't enjoy but i know i wouldn't be so keen on the whole dope and hookers thing if i lived there.

there are red light districts throughout europe, its just more famous in the dam as it was a big sailor port or something like that, hence the ladies appeared ha but it wouldnt be overly missed the ganja shops are by far the biggest draw!

Cookie_Monster

super_furry wrote: »

Crazy decision. Why else would anyone go to Amsterdam?

because there's **** loads to do
because it's a stunning city
because people are really nice and friendly


don't forget all the sex, tulips and clogs on offer

syngindub

will it still be legal to carry the allowed amount of cannabis or will this also be restricted to the card owners (lucky conts). surely this is going to make a great little business venture for those lucky few that get the cards. they'll make a small fortune selling dope to tourists.

I'd imagine this is just phase 1. Give it a few years before these shops are closed. There's no way they can remain profitable by just selling to members.

My name is URL

Amsterdam is an old city with a rich history. I can see the reasoning behind them wanting to protect that history.. I mean right now, to many around the world, Amsterdam equates to drugs, hookers & loud binging tourists. In all my years of visiting the city, I have very rarely seen the 'locals' partake in the vice activities.

Weed isn't the problem.. laws in other countries are the problem.

nobody3

Typical myopic politicians.

In the town I lived in, for every foreign euro spent in the coffee shops, a further 7 euros was spent in surrounding businesses, bars, restaurants etc.

I never visted the coffee shop myself, and by all reports the vast majority of people frequenting these places were tourists. Those locals that partook of the weed would usually grow their own, no need to go to the coffee shop at all.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

because there's **** loads to do
because it's a stunning city
because people are really nice and friendly

Yes but there are lots of cities like this. Amsterdam on the other hand has a unique selling point.

DepecheHead101

RachaelVO wrote: »

They want to introduce it, but it's not written in stone just yet. What it basically means is, is that if you want to buy it, tourist or otherwise you get a temporary membership of a coffee shop and it's business as usual.

There is no way they want to loose that kinda business. Remember, you have to pay VAT on your purchases in a coffee shop, so the loss in tax revenue alone will ensure that it's just noise they are making. They do the same sh1te every couple of years!

According to the bill you need to be a resident of the Netherlands to get a card.

It wouldn't do much to curb drug tourism if any old John Q Globetrotter could get an Xtra-Vision card for their pot.

The Dutch snack industry is recoiling in horror.

Eric Cartman

anyone know when this is being enforced , heading over in 2 weeks, may aswell cancel if this sort of shíte is going on

syngindub

I sense a great little niche in the market for Ireland. If only we had the balls to take the risk..not likely

Fukuyama

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

Nice one, looks like they are getting a bit off sense at last.

The auld stoners will have to turn somewhere else it seems like.

Dutch seem to pissed off with them.

Decision isn't isn't final.

In any case, 'stoners' normally go their for a holiday to experience public use of drugs without the fear of Johnny Law. They'll just stay at home now with their usual supply and be happy.

All this is going to do is wipe Amsterdam off the map. I really can't think of any other reason to go there. Unless you're mad for a shag that is...

I for one welcome this decision. Maybe Brits destined for the Dam will come to Dublin for a stag-do instead. Better for the economy.

Fukuyama

Eric Cartman wrote: »

anyone know when this is being enforced , heading over in 2 weeks, may aswell cancel if this sort of shíte is going on

Could be another few years yet. If it ever does happen.

It's going through the houses of government as we speak. I imagine the tourist board - and indeed cities like Eidenhoven and Amsterdam will want to speak up.

Blatter

Eric Cartman wrote: »

anyone know when this is being enforced , heading over in 2 weeks, may aswell cancel if this sort of shíte is going on

I think they will struggle to enforce it.

RachaelVO

DepecheHead101 wrote: »

According to the bill you need to be a resident of the Netherlands to get a card.

It wouldn't do much to curb drug tourism if any old John Q Globetrotter could get an Xtra-Vision card for their pot.

The Dutch snack industry is recoiling in horror.

It'll go the same way as the smoking bill. It hasn't been thought through properly, and again it's not concrete yet. I don't think it will go through, too many tourist bucks are gonna go down the drain, and they know it. I think it's a publicity stunt meself!

I'd say the lads hocking the ol fricandel, krokets and bami haps in the wall are dying a death, they are drowning themselves in their melted lard!!!!!!!!!!

Lab_Mouse

it will only force it on to street dealing..stupid stupid move

Cookie_Monster

This thread kinda shows the ridiculously narrow and restricted most people have of Amsterdam IMO



If I can't get high I'm not going :rolleyes:

DepecheHead101

RachaelVO wrote: »

It'll go the same way as the smoking bill. It hasn't been thought through properly, and again it's not concrete yet. I don't think it will go through, too many tourist bucks are gonna go down the drain, and they know it. I think it's a publicity stunt meself!

I'd say the lads hocking the ol fricandel, krokets and bami haps in the wall are dying a death, they are drowning themselves in their melted lard!!!!!!!!!!

All the articles make it sound very official. Language like 'Dutch to close' as opposed to 'Dutch propose to close'. None of them say anything about it having to pass through government. I thought that's what was going on all this time?

Oh well. Some hope then. I did think that tobacco bill was official though, no? I have friends who have been over who have said either special rooms were built for tobacco smoking away from the main shop floor or they would provide some basket of innocuous mixer to roll with.

Badgermonkey

The value of cannabis and associated tourism to the city economy is too great for a blanket ban - hotels, restaurants, public transport, cultural institutions all benefit hugely.

Methinks this story reflects ongoing political sabre-rattling by some in the coalition who will eventually have to settle for a watered down solution which may actually tidy up some internal inconsistencies evident in Dutch drug policy.

Fukuyama

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

This thread kinda shows the ridiculously narrow and restricted most people have of Amsterdam IMO



If I can't get high I'm not going :rolleyes:

How it it restricted and narrow? It's realistic.

Every bag-packer, student and normal average Joe will definitely go out of their way when holidaying in Europe to sample some weed in the Dam. Now that that's gone, the city will loose it's unique selling point. It'l have to compete with other cities on history, culture, food etc... And I'm sorry, but it won;t do well against the likes of London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid...and, dare I say it, Dublin.

RachaelVO

Dean0088 wrote: »

Could be another few years yet. If it ever does happen.

It's going through the houses of government as we speak. I imagine the tourist board - and indeed cities like Eidenhoven and Amsterdam will want to speak up.

Eindhoven will go BAT SH1T if it goes through, they'll loose a fortune, especially with passing trade to A'dam from the airport (Ryanair being cheap an all, flying in from a good few places).

It'll take donkeys years before it ever (if ever) it goes through, the Dutch will have committee meetings over how long officially toe nails should be, so I reckon there'll be a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGGGGGG time before they even make a decision!

FlutterinBantam

Duffy the Vampire Slayer wrote: »

Why do you hate cannabis so much?

I don't , it's the fcukers who smoke it and toss out their auld shite who annoy me.

Smoke the stuff all you like, don't expect me to pay for you , when you are hallucinating in hospital.

'Kay:D

Keith186

Seems a bit racist to me.

Do we have any things in Ireland where you have to be an Irish citizen to purchase goods? Were not talking about hand outs here sure even any Josef Soapski can get the social welfare once they're an EU citizen.

One of the principles of the foundation of the EU was the free movement of goods and services but this stamps all over it as you have to be a Dutch citizen.

I am pie

Millions of tourists will continue to go to Amsterdam every year t see the flower markets, canals, unique architecture, bars, cafes and restuarants and art galleries.

A subset of these won't be able to go and get smoke weed.

I'm pretty sure the dutch economy can survive the trauma.

Fukuyama

RachaelVO wrote: »

Eindhoven will go BAT SH1T if it goes through, they'll loose a fortune, especially with passing trade to A'dam from the airport (Ryanair being cheap an all, flying in from a good few places).

It'll take donkeys years before it ever (if ever) it goes through, the Dutch will have committee meetings over how long officially toe nails should be, so I reckon there'll be a LOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGGGGGG time before they even make a decision!

I can see it being bandied about as a political stick for a while; and then dropped. All the Dutch have to do is look around Europe to see what a restrictive drug policy will do. Higher crime. Street selling. Weed being mixed with all sorts of crap. Plus, the hit the local economies will take would effectively wipe them off the map for tourism as concerning those under the age of 35.

If this goes through, I'll be very surprised. And a little disappointed - I always thought the dutch had SOME sense when it came to drug policies. They were never perfect, but a lot better than 95% of the western world.

Dangerous Man

Good riddance. A good move for the Dutch.

RachaelVO

DepecheHead101 wrote: »

All the articles make it sound very official. Language like 'Dutch to close' as opposed to 'Dutch propose to close'. None of them say anything about it having to pass through government. I thought that's what was going on all this time?

Oh well. Some hope then. I did think that tobacco bill was official though, no? I have friends who have been over who have said either special rooms were built for tobacco smoking away from the main shop floor or they would provide some basket of innocuous mixer to roll with.

Smoking ban has been unofficially overturned. Very few pubs (with the exception of city centre pub) adhered to it. In fact here (Eindhoven), some bars had a kitty, and if you wanted to smoke you paid 2 euro so that if they got caught, your 2 euro went towards paying their fine. NO BAR was successfully prosecuted though, and those that want to allow smoking have, and those that wanted not to or have it in a "smoking room" did.

The law on the coffee shops, will need debating (great trait of the dutch, debate, debate debate). Nor have the coffee shop owners been given enough notice etc; It's go a LONG way to go before (if) it ever happens!

Fukuyama

I am pie wrote: »

Millions of tourists will continue to go to Amsterdam every year t see the flower markets, canals, unique architecture, bars, cafes and restuarants and art galleries.

A subset of these won't be able to go and get smoke weed.

I'm pretty sure the dutch economy can survive the trauma.

You truly underestimate just home much gange tourism Amsterdam and Eidenhoven gets.

Terry

I'm sure the locals love seeing tourists coming over and getting completely ****ed up on their streets.
Much like we love the English in Temple Bar.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

I don't , it's the fcukers who smoke it and toss out their auld shite who annoy me.

Smoke the stuff all you like, don't expect me to pay for you , when you are hallucinating in hospital.

'Kay:D

I don't know what you've seen people smoking but it sounds a lot stronger than cannabis.

jam_mac_jam

Terry wrote: »

I'm sure the locals love seeing tourists coming over and getting completely ****ed up on their streets.
Much like we love the English in Temple Bar.

Yeah because canabis is just like drink isnt it.

I am pie

Keith186 wrote: »

Seems a bit racist to me.

Do we have any things in Ireland where you have to be an Irish citizen to purchase goods? Were not talking about hand outs here sure even any Josef Soapski can get the social welfare once they're an EU citizen.

One of the principles of the foundation of the EU was the free movement of goods and services but this stamps all over it as you have to be a Dutch citizen.

It'd be racist if the stopped whites going in, or if they stopped chinese people, but since it's everyone including black, white, green or purple dutch people...it isn't racist.

Unlike snide attempts to suggest 'josef soapski' is coming over here to steal out dole. FFS.

Fukuyama

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

I don't , it's the fcukers who smoke it and toss out their auld shite who annoy me.

Smoke the stuff all you like, don't expect me to pay for you , when you are hallucinating in hospital.

'Kay:D

I completely agree with you Flutt. These fcuking stoners hippy fcuks. Smoking cannabis, getting 'stoned' out of their bins, overdosing on the stuff and ending up in hospital. COMING OUT OF MY TAX EURONS!!! >:(

They're all unemployed wasters - no talent, no prospects. Don't they know what cannabis does to you?

Scumbags.
^The above may not be a good representation of my personal opinions and knowledge. In fact, it may even be considered the total opposite.

DepecheHead101

Terry wrote: »

I'm sure the locals love seeing tourists coming over and getting completely ****ed up on their streets.
Much like we love the English in Temple Bar.

The majority of the frat mentality you see from tourists is carried out in the city center. Not all over the suburbs. Most stag nights don't make it past Red Light District.

The only locals who live there are the ones who are unable to hear the ruckus going on out in the streets because they are smothered in a bed of money.

RachaelVO

Dean0088 wrote: »

You truly underestimate just home much gange tourism Amsterdam and Eidenhoven gets.

YUP!!!! It's totally HUGE!!!

DepecheHead101

They would be making even more money and preventing even less crime if they had the balls to go the hole hog with legalization instead of the current fingers in the ears, eyes closed policy of tolerance they have that let people go into often violent competition with each other because that's what happens in an unregulated supply chain.