Smoking Ban in Holland

[Phil D. Rolls]

I know a few people must have been there lately. What is the position with smoking (cigarettes) in pubs - I heard that it wasn't being enforced to strictly. Is that the case, or has the Netherlands become even more bizarre by allowing people to smoke marijjauna, but stopping them having a ciggie with a pint?

[Woody1985]

I've been told that you can't smoke in pubs. Including Js i.e no tobacco in them.

However, I have been told in the smaller establishments that if you're discreet and don't leave 'evidence' i.e ripped fags in the ashtray etc it's okay.

[magnificent_seven]

I on't think it is a total nationwide ban. I think some pubs allow it and some dont.

[aliman82]

I was over in July and it depended on where you were.

The slightly more "local" pubs were fine with it. Cafes during the day were a bit stricter. Was only in one nightclub and they just asked you kept away from the windows. Police turned up at one point (on bicycles :greengrin), but the bouncers just stalled them while the staff hid the ashtrays. They laughed and joked about it, so didn't seem too fussed.

[HarpyHibby]

Was over for the Scotland game in march, and it didn't seem too strict. The Old Highlander bar had a policy where if you put a euro in the tin you could smoke.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Was over for the Scotland game in march, and it didn't seem too strict. The Auld Alliance bar had a policy where if you put a euro in the tin you could smoke.

That's pretty much what I heard. Thanks folks.

[Woody1985]

The amount they make will probably cover any fines they get. Don't know too much about the law but if the maximum fine is say 1000 euros and they get caught once a year it's no big deal.

[Hibby D]

It's quite bizzarre in places - there are posters on the doors of some pubs saying you can only smoke pure marijjuana :dizzy:

There's a pub called The Highlander, run by an ex-pat fi Penicuik called Ray.

Good guy, good pub and he lets folk smoke - even those who don't :greengrin