'DRUG TOURIST' SHOPS IN THE WORKS

VENLO, Netherlands (AP) -- 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.

Venlo spokeswoman Tamira Hankman said the intent is to keep the tourists
from lingering in the Netherlands, where they attract street dealers
selling illicit harder drugs. So-called soft drugs are legally sold in
small quantities.