Cannabis lovers dodge Dutch smoking ban

By Catherine Hornby

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Netherlands introduced a tobacco smoking ban in bars and restaurants on Tuesday but weed lovers carried on lighting up pure cannabis joints, pipes and vaporisers in the country's coffee shops.

"No smoking" signs were clearly visible in traditional Dutch brown cafes and trendy bars, while coffee shop owners handed out leaflets outlining the new rules of consumption and suggesting tobacco substitutes like a mix of herbs.

"Many cultures don't smoke cannabis with tobacco. Americans often smoke with bongs (hookahs). But the Dutch are used to smoking it with cigarettes, so it will be more of a hassle for them," said Barbara Bovenkerk, floor manager at the Green House coffee shop.

"The first few days will be a bit strange, but eventually people will accept it. A while ago they banned alcohol in the coffee shops and everyone complained but went along with it."

Soft drugs are officially banned in the Netherlands but under a policy of tolerance, buyers are allowed to have less than 5 grams of cannabis in their possession.

Small quantities are sold in coffee shops, making the usually small and cosy venues big attractions for tourists.

Under the new law, cutting cannabis with tobacco could land coffee shop owners with a fine of up to 2,400 euros (1,900 pounds).

Some coffee shop owners were concerned that the tobacco ban would lead more people to smoke stronger joints and encourage smokers to move out on to the streets.