Netherlands to ban tourists from cannabis cafes

New York, May 29 (ANI): In a move to reduce drug tourism, the Dutch government said last week that by the year's end, it would ban tourists from buying marijuana at 'coffee shops' in the Netherlands.

Under the new rules spearheaded by far-right political leaders, only Dutch citizens will be able to enter the stores, and they too will face tougher restrictions, reports the New York Daily News.

According to a justice ministry spokesman, resident patrons will be required to sign up for a one-year membership, and each shop will have a maximum of 1,500 members.

Critics argue the move could pulverize tourism. There are also fears that the move will result in a black market for the drugs.

The initiative was announced by the coalition government, which came into power last year.

"In order to tackle the nuisance and criminality associated with coffee shops and drug trafficking, the open-door policy of coffee shops will end," Dutch health and justice ministers wrote in a letter to the country's parliament. (ANI)