20 November 2008

AMSTERDAM - A survey conducted by the Dutch broadcaster NOS reveals that almost three-quarters of the councils of Dutch towns with coffee shops want to legalise the purchase and cultivation of cannabis. They believe this would reduce the criminality and public nuisance that currently affect such establishments.

The researchers, who questioned 30 local councils with more than four coffee shops within their boundaries, also found that many of them want to reduce the number of the shops.

The problems with coffee shops occur mainly in the border areas with other countries. Some councils in these areas announced that they will take steps to reduce the problems. In Maastricht, which lies close to the Belgian border, the city council agreed to remove all its coffee shops from the city centre.

[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]