THE HAGUE (AFP) — Amsterdam is to order the closure of dozens of coffee shops that sell cannabis near schools in accordance with new legislation, the municipality said Friday.
Mayor of Amsterdam Job Cohen told public radio NOS that while he "would never have created such a measure" and that the 43 coffee shops in question had never posed a problem, he would respect the government's bill.
Under the terms of the new legislation, cannabis-selling coffee shops situated within a 250-metre (820-feet) radius of schools have to shut down.
However, Amsterdam city council said it would only close coffee shops selling cannabis near schools for children aged 12 and upwards, arguing that cannabis consumption is almost non-existent at schools for younger students.
The city council also raised concern that the bill would lead to an increase in the number of dealers peddling all types of drugs on the streets if too many cannabis-selling coffee shops are closed.
Amsterdam is home to 228 such coffee shops, many of which are immensely popular with tourists.
Meanwhile, a publication for government officials revealed Wednesday that most mayors of Dutch cities with cannabis-vending coffee shops favour full legalisation of the cultivation, supply and sale of marijuana.
Binnenlands Bestuur magazine announced the findings of a poll among the 106 municipalities that host the country's 702 coffee shops -- establishments with special licences to sell limited quantities of cannabis.
In 1976, the Netherlands decriminalised the consumption of cannabis, and the possession of less than five grams. Its cultivation and wholesale remains prohibited.
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