Dutch to bar foreign weed-smokers

NRC Handelsblad reports that the European Court of Justice has decided "the Netherlands will be allowed to launch the wietpas” or weed pass, an identity card system that will prevent foreigners from entering coffee shops. While the Dutch government is planning to move ahead with the project, some local authorities are worried that the measure could prompt an increase in illegal drug sales. In its ruling on the case which opposed the city of Maastricht and a local coffee shop owner, the court pointed out that “cannabis is a narcotic and thus not protected by the principle of the free circulation of goods.” It also pointed that governments “should have the means to maintain order and promote public health.” However, it did note that the new system will not be easy to manage. For example, the single city of Maastricht attracts 3.9 million tourists, of whom 70% are foreigners.