Full article: Temporary reprieve for Amsterdam coffeeshops located close to schools

Amsterdam mayor berhard van der Laan has announced that 44 coffeeshops located too close to schools under a new national law may remain open for business until at least the end of 2012.

Under a law passed by the previous Dutch government all so-called coffeeshops located within 250 metres walking distance from a school would have to close down by the end of this year.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Dutch government reclassifies high-potency Cannabis

The Dutch government has decided that coffeeshops in the Netherlands will no longer be allowed to sell high-potency weed and hash.

Cannabis products containing more than 15 percent THC, the main active chemical, will be classified alongside hard drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: 21 Amsterdam coffeeshops too close to schools

The coalition agreement of the current Dutch government includes a provision that there must be a minimum distance of 350 meters beween cannabis-selling coffeeshops and the nearest school.

In 2010, 21 coffeeshops in Amsterdam were located within that distance from a school.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam against coffeeshops membership system that excludes tourists

Amsterdam remains opposed to plans by the Dutch government to introduce a pass card/membership system for coffeeshops — establishments where customers can legally purchase and use marijuana and other soft drugs.

The Dutch wants coffeeshops to become private clubs accessible only to adult residents of the Netherlands. Members would be registered for a pass card system, and tourists would be banned.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam does not want membership system for coffeeshops

The municipality of Amsterdam is against plans by the new Dutch government to introduce a pass card/membership system for coffeeshops.

The coalition agreement of the new Dutch cabinet says that coffeeshops should become private clubs accessible only to adult citizens of the Netherlands. Members would be registered for a pass card system, and tourists will be barred.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Will Amsterdam’s famous coffeeshops have to close?

The free availability of hash and marijuana attracts a lot of tourists to the Netherlands, but the new Dutch government has plans to prevent them from buying weed.

Among other measures the new government plans to transform coffeeshops into private clubs with membership available only to Dutch citizens. [video]

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: 26 coffeeshops in downtown Amsterdam must close their doors

According to the Municipality of Amsterdam the large number of coffeeshops in the center of town create an infrastructure that encourages criminality. The City refers to such establishments as 'crimogene' -- a term used to describe functions that encourage 'promotion or advancement of -- or susceptibility to -- criminality.'

The closures are part of the Coalition Project 1012, designed to spruce up downtown Amsterdam by -- among other things -- breaking the influence of organized crime.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam fights announced closure of coffeeshops

Recently Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen saw himself 'forced' to close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops -- licensed establishments where marijuana can legally be bought and used -- by the end of 2011.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen “reluctantly” follows up a federal government directive to establish ‘distance criteria‘ between schools and coffeeshops.

However, after both Amsterdam locals and city leaders angry about that approach, Cohen has promised to look for alternatives.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: Amsterdam to close 43 coffeeshops

The City of Amsterdam has announced it will close 43 of its 228 coffeeshops because they are located too close to schools.

In doing so, Amsterdam mayor Job Cohen "reluctantly" follows up a federal government directive to establish 'distance criteria' between schools and coffeeshops.

Amsterdam Tourist Information

Full article: In 2010, will there be no more coffeeshops in the Netherlands?

A Dutch criminologist predicts that two years from now, all coffeeshops in the Netherlands will have closed.

The coffeeshops -- establishments where cannabis and other soft drugs can be legally bought and used -- are under fire for various reasons, ranging from the nuisance created by tens of thousands of drug tourists, to ties to criminal organizations.

The mayors of some municipalities are closing the coffeeshops, while those of others towns -- Amsterdam included -- speak out in support of the current approach.

Amsterdam Tourist Information