No Toking Zones introduced in Amsterdam
The Dutch city of Amsterdam has introduced new laws banning the smoking of marijuana in various public places described as no toking zones, such as schools where children can be exposed to drugs and alcohol use.
According to reports, a large tourism indusry has grown in Amsterdam based around the cities coffee shops that sell marijuana to people using a loophole in the law that allows the possession of small amounts of the drug.
Schools around the city have reported problems with students attending schools under the influence of marijuana and in some cases openly smoking on school premises.
Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan introduced the ban to maintain and improve academic standards.
The move follows the repeal of a ban on tourists purchasing marijuana in the coffee shops of the city being repealed over fears for the economy if introduced; police officers can issue on the spot fines for smoking marijuana in the no toking zones.
