Hoogeveen will only have one coffee shop. A majority of the municipal council decided in December to go for a maximum of two, but outgoing mayor Karel Loohuis does not accept that advice.
It is one of Loohuis’s last achievements as mayor, because Martijn Breukelman (32) will take over from him from Wednesday. Loohuis is allowed to deviate from the council decision because he has the competent authority as mayor over coffee shop policy.
He did not inform the council in advance of his decision. The fact that he now deviates from the city council’s plan in his last days as mayor is not appreciated.
“We are very indignant about this state of affairs,” says VVD faction leader and supporter of two coffee shops Ronald Klok. “The communication about this went out on one of his last days as mayor. This is simply ruling over your own grave.”
According to Klok, the choice to opt for two coffee shops has been recorded in an amendment. “Which is a tough remedy. The advice of the democratic majority is therefore completely ignored here.”
Loohuis says that he has listened to all the proponents and opponents of a coffee shop. He says that one branch is allowed, but under strict conditions. “I also demand that there be a good enforcement policy. Agreements must be made about this.”
The CDA, the Christian Union, SGP and Forum for Democracy have announced in recent months that they are against the arrival of a coffee shop.
To allow a coffee shop, the municipal rules still have to be adjusted. The shop will soon only be allowed in areas where day and evening catering is permitted. This is now around the city center and shopping centers De Weide, Krakeel, Nije Nering, Zuid Wielewaal/Wolfsbos and Hollandscheveld.
Coffee shops were never allowed in Hoogeveen. Last year, the VVD submitted a motion requesting the municipal council to investigate whether there could be a coffee shop after all. A majority of the council liked that, but the Christian parties did not.
So there won’t be two, but policy and rules are currently being drawn up for one coffee shop. It is increasingly looking like people from Hoogeveen will soon be able to legally buy a joint in their own hometown. This was already possible in Assen, Emmen and Meppel.
