Coffeeshops, it was announced in parliament by Ab Klink, Health Minister, will not be threatened by the smoking ban which takes effect on July 1, 2008.

'If we want to stop our policy of toleration, we should just do so, and not use the ban as an excuse,' he told MPs.

Coffee shops will not be entirely exempt from the ban. An seperate smoke-free area must still be provided, this area must also include the counter where cannabis is sold.