3 July 2007

THE HAGUE – Coalition parties Christian democrat CDA and Labour PvdA clash on the topic of smoking in coffeeshops.

CDA MP Cisca Joldersma fears that Public Health Minister Ab Klink is leaving too much latitude for smoking in these venues. PvdA MP Lea Bouwmeester is worried that the smoking ban will result in cannabis users smoking the soft drugs elsewhere, rather than in the designated coffeeshops.

As of 1 July 2008 Klink wants a complete smoking ban in the catering industry. Bars and restaurants may set up a separate screened off smoking room where service is not permitted however. Klink says that smoking in coffeeshops must take place in a separate room from where the drugs are sold. The CDA says that this can mean that patrons will be able to smoke almost throughout the whole coffeeshop in most cases. PvdA on the other hand fears that forcing employees to sell from some sort of glass booth will make these locations less appealing for those who want to smoke the products on location.

Joldersma also wants more clarity from the ministry about smoking rooms at bars and restaurants. She wants to know if some way can be found to provide service in these areas without personnel being bothered by smoke.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news