DUTCH TO KEEP DRUGS ON SALE FOR EURO 2000

The Dutch authorities have decided against tightening their liberal soft
drug laws for the Euro 2000 soccer championships.

While strict controls will be in place to limit alcohol consumption, majors
in major cities have decided to allow the coffee shops, where cannabis
smoking is permitted, to remain open.

However, the fans will find life rather different in Belgium, the
tournaments co-hosts, where laws on soft drugs are stricter.

The authorities in Holland have decided against imposing restrictions,
despite an appeal from the chief prosecutor for special controls, fearing
how some fans will cope with "high quality Dutch joints".

In Eindhoven, where England play Portugal on June 12, Raen Welfche, the
mayor, has decreed that the 10 establishments will be able to carry on as
normal. "We are not worried the use of cannabis," his spokesman said. "We
hope people who come to the city and are curious about its effects will take
it in an informed way."

In Amsterdam, where thousands of fans are expected to be based for much of
the tournament, the city authorities have also adopted the twin track "tough
on alcohol, soft on cannabis" policy.