BAN THREAT TO DUTCH CANNABIS CAFES

One of the Netherlands' most popular attractions, cannabis-selling cafes,
face an uncertain future under a planned new law banning smoking in public
places.

The outlets, which draw millions of tourists each year, allow patrons to
buy marijuana over the counter and openly smoke joints without fear of arrest.

Under the new regulations, the cafes, known as "coffee shops", will still
be able to sell soft drugs but customers may have to indulge elsewhere.

Coffee shop owners say they are aghast at the prospect.

"The whole point of going to a coffee shop is to smoke," said Arjan Roskam,
chairman of the Union for Cannabis Retailers.

Neon signs

The new legislation aims to protect employees from passive smoking, and
while coffee shops are not the intended target, all companies with staff
will be affected.

Coffee shops have been operating in the Netherlands since 1972 and there
are now more than 800 such establishments.

Easily distinguishable from more regular cafes by their gloomy exteriors
and green neon signs, the cannabis cafes provide menus offering a wide
variety of hashish and marijuana.

Although cannabis is formally illegal in Holland, authorities turn a blind
eye to its sale and use in controlled environments.

Patrons have reacted to the new law with alarm.

"They've got to be out of their minds," said Annemiek van Royan, a regular
smoker in the Kashmir Lounge coffee shop.

"I bought a joint for now and a little more for later at home. The best
part is coming here to relax. It makes my day!"

The new law, which is due to be approved by the government soon, will come
into effect next January.