Amsterdam is closing down 43 coffeeshops. At the same time mayor Cohen insists the city is standing by its three-decade old policy of tolerating 'soft drug' sales. The announcement coincides with a meeting of city mayors from throughout the Netherlands to discuss pressing problems with the current Dutch drug policy.

Amsterdam currently has 228 'coffeeshops' where the sale and use of small amounts of marijuana and hashish is permitted.

One of those due to be closed down is The Bulldog, an icon among tourists that is housed in a former police headquarters in the heart of the city. American tourist Dan, from Michigan, says he's shocked by the news that the Bulldog will have to close its doors for good.

"It makes me wonder if I'll come back. When I come over here, I fly 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometres), spend probably 4,000 euros while I'm here. Twice a year. I'll go elsewhere. And I have four Canadian buddies I want to meet later this afternoon - we're meeting here. This is the place to meet."

On the agenda at today's "weed summit" in Almere are the top-ten issues relating to soft drugs policy. At the top of the list is drugs tourism. Many border towns are unhappy at the nuisance caused by tourists visiting the Netherlands to buy cannabis, and the travelling drug dealers who chase after the tourists trying to sell them both soft and hard drugs.

One option to deal with nuisance caused by drugs tourism is to locate coffee shops close to the border, away from towns. This is highly unpopular with neighbouring countries. Another is to introduce a pass system, only allowing local residents to buy cannabis.

 1 2 Next >