LIKE, EASY: DUTCH TOWN ENVISIONS PAIR OF MARIJUANA DRIVE-THROUGHS

VENLO, Netherlands -- The Dutch authorities plan to open two drive-through
shops next year where German tourists from across the nearby border can buy
marijuana and hashish.

Officials in Venlo say they want to make it easier on Germans who flock to
the southern Dutch border town for drugs by opening two coffee shops with
drive-throughs selling such drugs as marijuana and hashish.

They also want to keep the "drug tourists" from lingering in the
Netherlands, where so-called soft drugs are legally sold in small quantities.

Drug tourists draw street dealers selling illicit harder drugs, creating
"an environment that generally makes ordinary people feel unsafe," said a
Venlo town spokeswoman, Tamira Hankman.

She could not say exactly what the shops would offer, but she said they
would not be like Amsterdam cafes where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee
and a joint, but no hard drugs or liquor.

"The new coffee shops need to be outside the city and they need to be
easily accessible," Miss Hankman said. "Our city center has been flooded
with these tourists and the plan is part of an offensive to make it safer."

Officials are working on the final details of the proposal. If the city
council approves the idea, the drive-through shops are expected to open
next year after consultations with German municipal officials, Miss Hankman
said.