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Coffee shops turn into private clubs for locals
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Coffee shops turn into private clubs for locals

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© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
May 30, 2011

The Dutch government is finalising the plan to turn coffee shops into private clubs for locals in order to reduce drug tourism.

According to the Cabinet’s new measures, entering cafes selling small amounts of cannabis will only be allowed to Dutch citizens or those legally residing in the Netherlands and are over 18.

Adequate measures will also be taken to minimise street dealing even though the City Council of Amsterdam opposes the move, arguing it will increase criminality and reduce public safety.

Note that border towns (such as Maastricht) have already restricted the sale of cannabis to tourists / foreigners, while in others (such as Roosendaal) coffee shops were shut down.

Source: Rijksoverheid.nl