DUTCH TO OFFER DRIVE-THROUGH POT SALES

VENLO, Netherlands -- Dutch authorities plan to open two drive-through
shops next year where "drug tourists" can legally buy marijuana and
hashish.

The 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 drugs such 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
Venlo spokeswoman Tamira Hankman.

Hankman couldn't say exactly what the shops will 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.