Coffee Shops Amsterdam, whats the real story

As of now nothing has changed in Amsterdam. A couple of weeks ago the Minister of Justice said the new restrictions (banning foreigners from coffee shops)will go into effect in all cities in Holland 1/1/2013. The city of Amsterdam strongly opposes the new restrictions and is lobbying to get an exemption. So time will tell I guess;)

Michael, for precision, do you mean North and South Holland or the Netherlands?

I mean the entire Netherlands.

Michael, I was in Amsterdam a few months ago, and attended a presentation by the owner of one of the Coffee Shops (NO, I didn't sample the products). So far, it seems to be "business as usual" and it remains to be seen whether an exemption will be granted for Amsterdam.

Thanks to those who have answered my question. I hope things stay as they are. If anything, limit alcohol consumption and the strength of the beverage such as the powers want to limit the power of the green!

While Amsterdam is pretty much "business as usual" there are other towns and provinces that have enacted restrictions. Eindhoven and Mastricht i did see mentioned in news stories as having already put in place "club guidelines, with still talk of Amsterdam coming under restrictions in late 2012 or 2013.

I was in Maastricht a few weeks ago and walked past a coffee shop. I didn't pay close attention, but I noticed a sign on the door that said something about "buitenlanders" ("foreigners"). So looks like the new ordinances have taken effect in the border cities.

For a matter of precision, those banned are non-residents of the country, not foreigners (a New Zealander living legally in NL for work could patronize such clubs). I agree with the restrictions because they turn Netherlands into the junkie and druggie destination of choice to get their fix, instead of working to reduce harm in home grown addicts that are in a lesser evil situation buying their drugs legally instead of from a corner drug dealer.

I know in the last few months the debate was focused on regulating the level of THC (which is obviously hard to regulate, you don't know exactly what is coming into your shop, what you are selling.) When I was in Eindhoven and Maastricht a month ago there were many signs against using drugs in Amsterdam. Seemed to be a campaign to discourage tourists from visiting the coffee shops. The movement is getting support, but others who have posted on here can give you exact information on the current situation.

Explain this to me please maybe someone can enlighten me about this. So the Dutch government says its OK to conduct perverted sex in any neighborhood in Holland! But for someone who comes to Amsterdam to smoke a little, contribute to the economy of Amsterdam, and causes no problems that they are a problem. I'm talking about marijuana and hash. No hard drugs,
alcohol, not strong beer. Look at the US/Mexican border with the drug problem. By putting it underground the Dutch government (Convervatives) are asking for big problems!

I can not explain the logic, or even all the issues. I do however agree with the general Dutch attitude of tolerance and personal liberties. While many may consider the sex industry a moral issue, I suppose the drug issue as well, I consider both to be within the rights of consenting adults. Concerning the Sex industry, it does tend to be less disruptive, but also has been under pressure to "downsize". Drugs have taken a more public stage, maybe because abuse and the disruptiveness of drug tourism. Had the scene been lower key, the participants less disruptive, the spotlight not so bright, none of this would have occurred. Added pressures of neighboring countries trying to contain the issues to the Netherlands certainly elevated the poblem to the EU. To compare to the sex industry, that generally is not taken across the border. While I respect the Dutch to deal with issues as they see fit, I do have a bit of a sad heart (whether I have ever chosen to partake of the liberties or not) so see a society with an enlightened view of personal liberties having to take such measures due to abuse by non-residents.