NSW POLICE TO CLOSE CANNABIS CAFES

The NSW government plans to introduce new laws to crack down on so-called
cannabis cafes.

Police Minister Michael Costa said the laws would improve the ability of
police to close down commercial premises supplying drugs.

"These new laws will target those managers and owners of commercial
premises who organise or permit the dealing of drugs," Mr Costa said.

"Police will be able to charge those responsible and shut down the premises."

The new laws follow controversy over a cafe in Sydney's Kings Cross
reportedly dealing in marijuana, less than 200m from the Kings Cross police
station.

Mr Costa emphasised that the proposed laws related to commercial premises,
and that existing 'drug house' and supply of illegal drugs laws remained in
force, with penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.

The new laws would be introduced in the spring session of parliament, he said.