Dutch news in brief, 8 February 2006

Sign money goes to cannabis project

The local authority in the Baarsjes district of Amsterdam announced the profits of the sale of its ‘no cannabis smoking’ signs will go to a youth information project about using drugs and alcohol. The Baarsjes is the first area in the country to specifically ban smoking cannabis in a public area. Several copies of the sign were stolen as soon as they were placed. Given its popularity, the authority decided to offer copies for sale for EUR 90 each. Some 800 bids had been received by Wednesday, 65 from the US alone. People wishing to buy a copy of the sign should email [email protected]

Witness sought as infant dies

Police have appealed for witnesses who may be able to shed more light on the death of an infant in The Hague. The parents told hospital staff the girl had fallen down a stairs, but the police said the girl was the victim of abuse.

Girl, 5, shot in Rotterdam

A five-year-old girl is in stable condition in hospital after she was shot in a house in Rotterdam. Although police revealed few details of the incident, it appears her brother, 7, was playing with the gun when it went off.

Shaming debtors online declared a success

Defaulting businesses tend to pay their creditors faster when they are shamed on a debtors register on the internet, according to research by one of the online services. Companies added to the register pay the money owed in an average of days, Incassoregister.nl said. It takes a bailiff an average of 17 days to get then money, debt collection agencies take 33 days and lawyers need 61 days.

Amsterdam closes brothel over drugs

Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen ordered the closure of the Céres Men’s Club brothel on Sarphatistraat for an indefinite period on Tuesday for breaking the Opium Law. Inspectors recently discovered cocaine and alcohol on the premises. The brothel does not have a licence to sell alcohol.

Subject: Dutch news