A new law in the Netherlands makes it illegal to smoke cigarettes in a public place but smoking marijuana at licensed cannabis cafes is still legal, as long as there is no trace of tobacco in the marijuana.

In keeping with a trend sweeping the globe, smoking tobacco products in public places, especially bars, cafes, and restaurants, is prohibited in all areas of the Netherlands but the country is world famous for its cannabis cafes, where people can indulge in a little pot smoking without fear of prosecution.

Patrons of these establishments will still be allowed to indulge legally as long as the smoking is done in a licensed establishment.  It is illegal to possess marijuana in the Netherlands although public officials are said to be somewhat lax when just a small amount of the drug is in question.

One forecast from the Dutch hospitality industry indicates an increase in the number of merchants putting their businesses up for sale as the deadline for the tobacco ban approached.  These business owners expect a drop in sales due to smokers staying away but others feel the tobacco smoking ban will bring out the non-smokers who welcome a cleaner environment.

Merchants who allow tobacco smoking in spite of the new law prohibiting it will receive an official warning of violation.  An escalating series of fines will be levied against repeat offenders.

Source: BBC