31 May 2007

ROTTERDAM  - 27 coffeeshops in Rotterdam must stop selling soft drugs because of their proximity to secondary schools. The measure will come into effect on 1 January 2009.

The closing down of these venues is part of the city's new coffeeshop policy presented by Rotterdam mayor Ivo Opstelten on Thursday. There are a total of 62 coffeeshops in the city. The mayor hopes a new policy will help cut down on growing soft-drug use among the youth and nuisance on the streets because of the dealing and use of these drugs.

From 2009 Rotterdam coffeeshops must be at least 250 metres walking distance from secondary schools. Coffeeshops near primary schools that offer special education will also have to shut down. Those near regular primary schools will not be affected by the new measure since soft drug use at primary schools is extremely rare.

In addition to the closing down of coffeeshops near schools, a stricter enforcement policy will come into effect to ensure that coffeeshops are abiding by regulations. An information campaign will also be launched at schools to warn of the dangers of drug use and more stringent conditions will be in force for applying for a permit to operate a coffeeshop.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news