Sorry, stoners.
The Dutch government said Friday, May 27, 2011, that it will ban tourists from buying marijuana from the Netherlands' famed "coffee shops."
Under the new rules spearheaded by far-right political leaders, only Dutch citizens will be able to enter the stores, and they too will face tougher restrictions.
Resident patrons will be required to sign up for a one-year membership, and each shop will have a maximum of 1,500 members, according to a justice ministry spokesman.
Critics argue the move, which should be enacted by the end of the year, could pulverize tourism.
The Netherlands – particularly Amsterdam, which is home to 220 coffee shops -- is known for having one of Europe's most lenient soft drug policies. The country's cannabis cafes have become popular attractions.
There are also fears that the move will result in a black market for the drugs.
The coalition government, which came into power last year, announced the initiative to curb drug tourism as part of an effort to fight crime and promote health.
"In order to tackle the nuisance and criminality associated with coffee shops and drug trafficking, the open-door policy of coffee shops will end," Dutch health and justice ministers wrote in a letter to the country's parliament