THE myth of Dutch tolerance may have faded in recent years, but the country still cherishes its social liberalism. Prostitution is legal, soft drugs are available to locals and foreign tourists alike, and the Netherlands prides itself on blazing the trail for gay marriage. But one of these traditions may be on the way out. In a rolling process, Dutch "coffee shops", where cannabis is freely sold for private consumption, could soon become closed clubs. New government rules may force some 660 coffee shops that now sell cannabis over the counter to become members-only clubs with strict registration procedures, accessible only to Dutch residents. The government says the new policy is a bid to curb the "nuisance" of drug tourists and to fight organised crime The measures will first be introduced in southern provinces that have most cannabis tourists. The government hopes to anchor the guidelines in a change of official policy to be debated in parliament in September.
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