DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
Coffee shops turn into private clubs for locals
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Coffee shops turn into private clubs for locals

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:

Related Stories

Bars & clubs in the NetherlandsBars & clubs in the Netherlands
Smoking and smoking rules in the NetherlandsSmoking and smoking rules in the Netherlands
Dutch words expats should know: BorrelDutch words expats should know: Borrel
12 top breweries in Amsterdam12 top breweries in Amsterdam
11 best cocktail bars in Amsterdam11 best cocktail bars in Amsterdam
16 best terraces in Amsterdam16 best terraces in Amsterdam
Dutch whisky: The history, the distilleries, and the specialities Dutch whisky: The history, the distilleries, and the specialities
The best coffee-to-go in the NetherlandsThe best coffee-to-go in the Netherlands
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 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